BCCI Responds to PCB’s Boycott Threat Over 2026 World Cup Amid Champions Trophy Dispute

BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla has firmly addressed Pakistan’s threat to boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. The tension arises from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. India’s participation in the Champions Trophy remains uncertain, contingent on government approval for travel to Pakistan. This has sparked…


BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla has firmly addressed Pakistan’s threat to boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. The tension arises from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

India’s participation in the Champions Trophy remains uncertain, contingent on government approval for travel to Pakistan. This has sparked potential retaliatory threats from Pakistan, including a possible boycott of the 2026 World Cup if the event is forced into a hybrid format by the ICC.

Rajiv Shukla, however, remains unfazed by these threats. Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Premier League players’ auction, Shukla reiterated the BCCI’s position:

Pakistan can say whatever it wants about coming to India during the 2026 World Cup, but we are only waiting for the approval of the Indian government.

A BCCI official further explained that the Indian Government has yet to approve travel to Pakistan.

We expect retaliation if we don’t travel to Pakistan, including threats to boycott the Asia Cup. However, the PCB must understand that this decision lies with the Indian government. Despite dialogues about the Champions Trophy, we haven’t reached any positive outcomes,

the official stated, as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.