New Delhi: Speculation over Pakistan’s possible boycott of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has turned into global cricket’s latest meme fest, with associate nations Iceland and Uganda hilariously offering to fill any vacancy left by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The banter kicked off when Iceland Cricket playfully urged Pakistan to decide quickly, joking they were ready to step in despite logistical nightmares — like amateur players (a baker captain, ship captain, and bankers) unable to abandon jobs for scorching heat and sudden travel.
In a viral follow-up on January 29, Iceland “withdrew” with dramatic flair: “Our loss is likely Uganda’s gain. Their kits cannot be missed unless you have epilepsy.”
Uganda Cricket seized the moment the same day, firing back on X: “If a T20 World Cup seat opens, Uganda is ready — packed and padded. Passports are warm (not ice). No bakers leaving ovens or ships U-turning. Heat, noise, pressure? We’ll bring the bold kit. “The post exploded online, with fans seeing it as direct ribbing at PCB’s security and venue concerns, especially after Bangladesh’s withdrawal over India-hosted matches (later replaced by ICC).
Uganda, ranked 21st in T20Is and a 2024 World Cup participant, turned the tables cleverly, while Iceland later thanked them and jabbed at the ICC’s silence — suggesting they tag the “International Criminal Court” instead.
Amid the laughs, reports indicate PCB is moving forward: Pakistan’s squad is set to depart for Colombo on February 2, with their full schedule — including the high-stakes India clash — slated in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model. Sources say PCB won’t risk ties with ICC and members over a boycott lacking solid grounds.
What began as boycott threats has become cricket’s viral comedy gold, underscoring how geopolitics meets humour in the sport.