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Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan finds itself at the centre of a fresh controversy. Reports suggest the team may wear black armbands to support Bangladesh, raising questions over ICC regulations.
New Row Before T20 World Cup as Pakistan May Wear Black Armbands
New Delhi: The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on February 7th, but even before the tournament, controversy surrounding the Pakistan cricket team is deepening. While Pakistan's participation in the World Cup remains unconfirmed, its potential support for Bangladesh has raised concerns within the ICC. According to media reports, if the Pakistani team participates in the tournament, it may wear black armbands in support of Bangladesh. Questions are now being raised about whether this would be legal under ICC rules.
Black armbands are typically worn to express protest or mourning. This is considered a sensitive issue in international sports, as it can be interpreted as carrying a political or personal message. Reports claim that Pakistan may wear black armbands in protest of Bangladesh's exclusion from the tournament. This has now moved beyond sporting events to a matter of rules and discipline.
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According to the ICC's clothing and equipment regulations, no player or team may wear a black armband or any symbolism in an international match without prior permission. The ICC explicitly prohibits displaying political, religious, or personal messages. Such incidents have occurred before. In 2023, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja was issued a strict warning by the ICC for wearing a black armband without permission.
If the Pakistan team takes the field wearing black armbands without permission, the ICC may consider it a violation of the rules. The team or players may be reprimanded or issued an official warning for the first time. This is classified as an "other violation." If it occurs again, players could be fined up to 25 percent of their match fees. In serious circumstances, more stringent action could be taken against the team.
Scotland Replaces Bangladesh in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 After Security Dispute
Indeed, after Bangladesh refused to play in India due to security concerns, the ICC excluded them from the T20 World Cup 2026, replacing them with Scotland. Pakistan is displeased with this decision and is openly supporting Bangladesh. The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the team, but it has also clarified that the final decision on participation in the tournament will rest at the government level.
All eyes are now on whether Pakistan will participate in the World Cup, and if it does, will it take steps like wearing black armbands. If this happens, this controversy could escalate, and the ICC may have to take a tough decision.
