‘They Don’t Have the Guts’: Rahane Slams PCB’s T20 World Cup Boycott Threat

India’s Ajinkya Rahane has expressed doubt over Pakistan following through on its threat to boycott the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, starting February 7.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had entered the ongoing dispute between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), declaring that if Bangladesh were expelled from the tournament, Pakistan would also boycott the event in solidarity. Reports even speculated about Pakistan forfeiting its match against India. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said a final decision would be made by February 2, with government approval expected for the team to travel to Sri Lanka.

Rahane, however, dismissed the idea, saying Pakistan lacks the courage to pull out of such a major tournament. “I don’t think they will do it. They don’t have the guts,” he told Cricbuzz.

PCB Controversies and Stakes

Naqvi’s controversial tenure at the PCB dates back to September last year. Following India’s victory over Pakistan in a tournament final, Naqvi attempted to present the trophy, but the Indian team refused to accept it, forcing him to leave the Dubai International Cricket Stadium with the silverware — the first time a winning team returned home empty-handed.

Amid this backdrop, Pakistan’s involvement in the BCB-ICC conflict has raised questions about its priorities and capacity to challenge major international cricket events.

If the PCB were to withdraw from the T20 World Cup, it could face severe consequences, including financial losses, sanctions from the ICC, and a possible ban from the Asia Cup.

Tensions between the PCB and BCCI have simmered for months, following the Pahalgam terror attacks last May and incidents during the World Championship of Legends where the Indian team refused to play Pakistan. While the India-Pakistan matches went ahead in the Asia Cup, relations between the teams have remained strained, with verbal spats and bad blood evident on and off the field.