Pakistan have added a fresh layer of uncertainty to the growing controversy surrounding the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, stating that they may review their participation if concerns involving the Bangladesh cricket team are not resolved, according to a report by GEO News.
The multi-nation tournament is scheduled to be held across India and Sri Lanka from February 7, but ongoing disagreements over Bangladesh’s fixtures have raised questions about the final lineup.
Bangladesh Government Seeks Pakistan’s Support
The report said the decision followed outreach from the Bangladesh government, which approached Pakistan seeking diplomatic and administrative support over what it described as security concerns for its national team in India.
The dispute began after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. While no official explanation was provided, the move triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh.
Subsequently, Bangladesh banned the broadcast of the IPL in the country and formally wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC), stating that its team was unwilling to play T20 World Cup matches in India. That position has remained unchanged.
Pakistan Offers Support, Opposes Pressure on Teams
According to the report, Pakistan has emphasised that no country should face pressure or threats regarding hosting arrangements or participation in ICC events. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly assured Bangladesh of full support during the ongoing discussions.
Earlier this month, Pakistan formally communicated its willingness to host all of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches, should the ICC decide to move those fixtures out of India. PCB sources said Pakistan’s offer followed Bangladesh’s request to relocate matches scheduled in Mumbai and Kolkata to Sri Lanka.
Officials cited Pakistan’s recent success in hosting major tournaments, including the Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s Qualifier, as evidence of its readiness to stage World Cup games.
Group Swap Request Also Rejected
Bangladesh have also reportedly requested a group swap with Ireland, whose group-stage matches are scheduled entirely in Sri Lanka. However, a Cricbuzz report revealed that Cricket Ireland has received firm assurances from the ICC that its fixtures will remain unchanged.
“We’ve received definitive assurances that we won’t move from the original schedule. We’re definitely playing the group stage in Sri Lanka,” a Cricket Ireland official was quoted as saying.
With the ICC yet to issue a final resolution, the Bangladesh issue continues to cast a shadow over preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
