The upcoming T20 World Cup in India has been plunged into further uncertainty as former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi signaled his support for a potential boycott.

His remarks come amid growing reports that Pakistan may join Bangladesh in withdrawing from the tournament over security concerns and perceived administrative overreach by the host nation.

The crisis intensified after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to relocate its matches away from India.

The BCB’s concerns were initially sparked by a dispute involving the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the forced release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from an IPL franchise, which Dhaka cited as evidence of a hostile environment.

Despite an ICC ultimatum to follow the original schedule, the BCB has remained firm, escalating the matter to the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee.

On Friday, Najam Sethi threw his full support behind current PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, endorsing a hardline stance against the current tournament arrangements.

“Mohsin Naqvi understands the game and has a good understanding of all aspects. Whatever decision Mohsin Naqvi makes will be right,” Sethi stated.

He argued that a united front between Pakistan and Bangladesh is necessary to challenge India's influence over the sport’s governing body.

Sethi further emphasized that the resistance from Dhaka could serve as a vital turning point for world cricket.

“If other countries stand up after Pakistan, the ICC will realize that this is not the Indian Cricket Council, but the International Cricket Council,” he remarked, suggesting that a collective boycott would force the ICC to act as a truly global mediator.

With the tournament set to begin on February 7, the potential withdrawal of two major cricketing nations threatens to derail the event and reshape international cricket's power dynamics.

Source: UNB