Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has claimed that the board’s firm stance on boycotting the T20 World Cup match against India forced the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider its position ahead of the high-voltage clash in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Also Read: ‘Why are restrictions only on bowlers?’ Ravichandran Ashwin defends Usman Tariq’s action
Speaking about the developments, Sethi revealed that the PCB carefully weighed every possible implication before taking a call. He said discussions were held with ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board officials a week before the scheduled India–Pakistan encounter, and the PCB sought advice from leading legal experts both within Pakistan and abroad before arriving at a decision, including the subsequent reversal.
“In fact, it’s the ICC that stepped back. The ICC decided to ease off a little and give Bangladesh some space. Pakistan’s decision was very well thought out. They examined all angles and were aware that there could be no sanctions for boycotting the match against India. They consulted top lawyers at home and overseas,” Sethi told India Today.
He further stated that past precedents strengthened Pakistan’s position. “There were precedents which made it clear that Pakistan were on a very strong wicket. At worst, they might have lost a point — nothing more. I believe the ICC realised this too, which is why it initiated talks. That’s how deputy chairman Imran Khawaja became involved, and why Bangladesh officials engaged in negotiations. Eventually, they came to Pakistan to ensure the match could go ahead,” Sethi added.
