Pakistan Threatens T20 World Cup 2026 Boycott Over India Not Travelling To Pakistan For Champions Trophy | Reports

July 14, 2024 0 912

Pakistan might refuse to play T20 World Cup 2026 if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025.

Reports of India refusing to join the Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan, have been in the headlines for a few days. India has been repeatedly refusing PCB’s every proposal because of the political rift between the nations. Significantly, India also seemed to be uncertain about the safety of Indian players in Pakistan.

However, amidst these reports rumours say that Pakistan will also boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 if India refuses to join Champions Trophy 2025.

According to Geo News Urdu, Pakistan has threatened to boycott the 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Determined to host the entire Champions Trophy on home soil, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is refusing to budge on its stance.

This unwavering position will be solidified at the upcoming ICC meeting in Sri Lanka, where PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to attend. Despite potential complications arising from India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan, sources report the PCB will hold firm to their decision.

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This resolve is strengthened by the fact that all participating teams, except India, have recently played matches in Pakistan, weakening India’s argument against travel. The situation could escalate, with Pakistan potentially refusing to travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup if India maintains its stance.

Reportedly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has its sights set on Sri Lanka or Dubai for their team’s matches. This throws a curveball at the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) initial proposal to host all India games in Lahore. Unlike the PCB, the BCCI is not ready to commit without government approval, mirroring the Asia Cup situation. Back then, rising political tensions led to a venue shift, with Sri Lanka stepping in to host all of India’s matches, including the electrifying final against Pakistan.

Interestingly, cricket between India and Pakistan has been null for over a decade. While Pakistan ventured into Indian territory for a bilateral series in 2012-13 and two World Cups (T20 in 2016 and ODI in 2023), India has not set foot in Pakistan for a match since the 2008 Asia Cup.