Utter Nonsense’: Irfan Pathan Slams Pakistan’s Threat Over T20 World Cup Participation

New Delhi | 30 January 2026 Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has strongly criticised Pakistan’s reported threat to pull out of the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, calling it completely baseless. Reacting to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s statements, Pathan said there is no logic behind creating uncertainty now, especially when Pakistan had already agreed to the hybrid model for the tournament earlier. The controversy began after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the 20-team World Cup. Bangladesh pulled out after refusing to tour India, following which the ICC decided to move ahead without them. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of being “unfair” to Bangladesh and later met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. After this meeting, it was said that a final decision on Pakistan’s participation would be taken soon. Irfan Pathan, however, made it clear that Pakistan has no valid reason to raise objections at this stage. He pointed out that Pakistan are not travelling to India and their matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model. “Nonsense! Nonsense! This is absolutely utter nonsense from Pakistan. If you have agreed to a hybrid model before and to play in Sri Lanka, then why create this situation now?” Pathan said, adding, “It is nothing other than utter nonsense.” Meanwhile, reports remain divided on Pakistan’s final stand. While some suggest the team may not boycott the tournament completely, there is speculation that Pakistan could forfeit their high-profile match against India on February 15 in Colombo. Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan have already announced their squad for the World Cup, with Salman Ali Agha named captain. The 2009 champions are placed in Group A along with India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA, and are set to begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7. ‘Utter Nonsense’: Irfan Pathan Calls Out Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Exit Talk Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has openly criticised Pakistan’s talk of pulling out of the Men’s T20 World Cup, calling it completely unnecessary. He questioned why such statements are being made now, especially when Pakistan had earlier agreed to the hybrid model and confirmed its participation in the tournament. The issue started after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the World Cup. Bangladesh had refused to tour India and later demanded that their matches be shifted out of India. When the ICC found no security threat and did not change the schedule, Bangladesh pulled out, forcing the ICC to bring in Scotland. After this, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of being “unfair” and met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the matter. Reacting to the situation, Pathan said Pakistan has no strong reason to raise objections at this stage. He reminded that Pakistan’s matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka and not in India. “Nonsense! Nonsense! This is absolutely utter nonsense from Pakistan. If you have agreed to a hybrid model before and to play in Sri Lanka, then why create this situation now?” he said, adding, “It is nothing other than utter nonsense.” Despite the heated statements, Pakistan have already announced their squad for the tournament, with Salman Ali Agha set to lead the team. Pakistan, who won the T20 World Cup in 2009, are placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA. They are scheduled to begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, while uncertainty still remains over their approach to the India match on February 15.