Who will replace Pakistan if they pull out of T20 World Cup 2026? Revealed

Pakistan are ready to sacrifice T20 World Cup 2026 spot in support of Bangladesh with the tournament less than a month away.

Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 hangs in the balance as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) await instructions from the government. This has once again opened the door to uncertainty around Pakistan’s involvement in yet another ICC event.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has publicly reiterated that the board will strictly follow the government’s stance, especially at a time when the Prime Minister is out of the country. The situation has been further complicated by Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament citing security concerns.

The ICC, with the World Cup just weeks away, decided to exclude Bangladesh and replace them with Scotland. This decision did not sit well with the PCB, with Naqvi openly criticising the ICC for not offering Bangladesh a hybrid model similar to Pakistan’s arrangement, where their matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. He also stated that they will also pull out of the tournament if their government says so.

Historically, Pakistan have issued strong statements ahead of ICC tournaments but have rarely followed through with a complete boycott. However, this time the circumstances are different. With Bangladesh already pulling out and diplomatic pressure mounting, there is genuine speculation that Pakistan could finally take a firm stand and withdraw in solidarity.

Uganda to replace Pakistan if they pull out of T20 World Cup 2026

The ICC already has a contingency plan in place if Pakistan pull out of the ICC T20 World Cup. Following the same logic used in Bangladesh’s case—where the highest-ranked non-qualified team was promoted—the next team in line will step in seamlessly.

If the same logic is applied, that opportunity will fall to Uganda, who will make a surprise entry into one of the most competitive groups of the tournament. Uganda currently sits second among the highest-ranked sides on the ICC T20I rankings that failed to qualify directly.

Pakistan have been placed in Group A of T20 World Cup 2026, alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia. Led by Salman Agha, they will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the USA on February 10, India on February 15, and Namibia on February 18.

However, if Pakistan decide to boycott the tournament, Uganda will be granted the same schedule that Pakistan was assigned, just as Scotland has been given Bangladesh’s original fixtures. It will be interesting to see if they continue their stance as the build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup continues.

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