Pakistan Ready to Host Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Matches, PCB Offers Support to ICC
AFP
The uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 has taken a new turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board stepping in to support Bangladesh’s concerns. With less than three weeks left for the tournament to begin, the PCB has formally offered to host Bangladesh’s group-stage matches in Pakistan, should the ICC decide to move the games out of India.
What the PCB Letter to ICC Said
According to a report by PTI, the PCB sent an email to the International Cricket Council on Tuesday, stating that the concerns raised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board over travelling to India amid rising regional tensions are “justified” and deserve accommodation.
The email reportedly said that if logistical or scheduling issues prevent Bangladesh’s matches from being shifted to Sri Lanka, Pakistan is ready to host all three of Bangladesh’s group-stage fixtures. While Sri Lanka remains the ICC’s preferred alternative, the governing body is said to be reluctant to make major schedule changes at such a late stage.
Background to the Standoff
The standoff began after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman following a BCCI directive. This was followed by Bangladesh banning IPL broadcasts locally, after which the BCB informed the ICC that it would not send its team to India for the World Cup.
Pakistani media reports also claimed that Bangladesh sought diplomatic backing from Pakistan, though the PCB has not publicly commented on reviewing its own participation. Pakistan, meanwhile, are scheduled to play all their matches in Sri Lanka under the existing hybrid model agreed upon until 2027.
What Happens Next
The ICC has reportedly called for an urgent board meeting on Wednesday to take a final decision. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7.
Our Thoughts
The PCB’s move adds a significant geopolitical layer to an already complex cricketing issue. While Pakistan’s offer provides the ICC with a logistical fallback, accepting it could open the door to future host-country challenges driven by political tensions. For the ICC, the decision now is not just about Bangladesh’s safety concerns, but about maintaining consistency, neutrality, and tournament stability. How this situation is resolved could set a precedent for global cricket events in the years ahead.
