KEY POINTS
- Iceland Cricket jokingly cites players’ day jobs as reason for being unavailable to replace Pakistan.
- Mocks logistical improbability of team preparing for the major tournament.
- Player listed include a baker tending his oven and a ship captain steering his vessel.
REYKJAVIK, Iceland: In a satirical announcement that has amused the global cricket community, Iceland Cricket has formally declared its national team “unavailable” to replace Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing pressing professional commitments from its amateur players.
The statement humorously highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s final participation decision, which is expected soon amid geopolitical tensions following Bangladesh’s earlier withdrawal from the tournament.
Dear @ICC,
It is with a heavy heart that we now announce our unavailability to replace Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Regardless of whether they now withdraw, the short timescales ensure it is impossible for our squad to prepare in the professional manner necessary to…
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) January 29, 2026
‘Heavy heart’ and practical hurdles
Known for its witty social media presence, the Icelandic board stated it was with “a heavy heart” that they could no longer consider the hypothetical invitation.
The organisation pointed to “impossible” logistical and preparation timelines, stating its squad could not prepare ‘in the professional manner necessary’ for the event.
“We are not like Scotland and able to turn up on a whim, with no kit sponsor,” the post quipped, referencing Scotland’s entry as a replacement for Bangladesh.
“Our players are from all walks of life and cannot simply drop their occupations.”
Player priorities: From ovens to oceans
The announcement detailed the irreconcilable day-job conflicts facing its would-be stars, underscoring the realities of amateur cricket.
“Our captain, a professional baker, needs to attend to his oven, our ship captain needs to steer his vessel, and our bankers need to go bankrupt (again),” the post lamented.
The body also humorously mourned missed competitive opportunities, including giving the Netherlands “the biggest shock they have experienced since William of Orange lost the Battle of Landen in 1693.”
We really need Pakistan to decide soon upon their participation in the T20 WC.
We are ready to take off as soon as they pull out on 2nd Feb, but the flight schedule is a logistical nightmare to get us to Colombo in good time for 7th Feb.
Our opening bat is an insomniac! pic.twitter.com/2hJSpMn0Cx
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) January 28, 2026
Nod to Uganda and colourful jab
In closing, Iceland Cricket suggested that “our loss is likely Uganda’s gain,” while offering a characteristically colourful description of the Ugandan team’s vibrant kit, advising it “cannot be missed unless you have epilepsy, in which case they are probably best avoided.”
The posts, which also included a satirical reference to U.S. President Donald Trump, reaffirm Iceland Cricket’s reputation for blending cricket commentary with geopolitical wit.
Iceland is not a member nation of the International Cricket Council and does not compete at the elite international level.
The statement serves as a light-hearted interlude as the cricket world awaits Pakistan’s final decision.
