ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday came out strongly in support of Bangladesh amid its standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the Men’s T20 World Cup, warning that no country should be allowed to dictate terms to another in international cricket.
Bangladesh have refused to play their scheduled World Cup matches in India, citing security and political concerns, triggering a dispute with the ICC that has cast uncertainty over their participation in the tournament.
Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said Pakistan had raised the issue at ICC forums and called for equal treatment of all member nations.
“Bangladesh has been treated unfairly,” Naqvi told reporters. “I said this clearly in the ICC board meeting. There cannot be double standards where one country is given complete flexibility while another is denied the same.”
He said that as a full ICC member, Bangladesh deserved accommodation over venues and should not face the risk of exclusion from a global event. “They are a major stakeholder. Such injustice should not happen, and Bangladesh should be allowed to participate in the World Cup in any case,” he added.
The minister said Pakistan’s final position would be in line with the government’s policy, especially amid speculation about a coordinated regional response. Asked whether Pakistan might also consider boycotting the T20 World Cup, Naqvi said the decision would be taken by the country’s leadership.
“We are waiting for the prime minister to return. After that, a final decision will be made,” he said.
Naqvi also urged the ICC to consider a hybrid model for Bangladesh, similar to arrangements previously adopted for Pakistan-India tournaments, with matches split across neutral venues.
“Bangladesh is the same member as Pakistan,” he said. “If a hybrid model can be applied in one case, it should be applied here as well. One country cannot dictate terms to another.”
Responding to questions about contingency planning, Naqvi said Pakistan was prepared for all scenarios. “Let the decision come first,” he said. “We have Plan A, Plan B, Plan C — even Plan D.”
His remarks add to growing pressure on the ICC as it attempts to safeguard the T20 World Cup in India while managing rising diplomatic and political sensitivities involving Bangladesh, Pakistan and the wider international cricket calendar.
