Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has highlighted the potential financial fallout if Pakistan pulls out of the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Speaking on the Game Plan YouTube show, Ali warned that broadcasters would face major losses, as an India-Pakistan clash — the tournament’s most-watched fixture — would not take place.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan’s final decision will rest with their government, a statement Ali said has complicated matters for the ICC. Meanwhile, the ICC has issued warnings of possible sanctions if Pakistan withdraws, citing potential damage to the country’s cricketing reputation and long-term structural harm to the PCB.
Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan recently announced a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, notably excluding senior players Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf.
