The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), expressing support for Bangladesh’s position of not wanting to play their matches in India during the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
The ICC is expected to make a final decision on Bangladesh’s participation in the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the PCB conveyed its support for the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) stance, citing prevailing political tensions between the two countries. The PCB has also copied members of the ICC Board in this communication.
It has been learned that a meeting took place between the ICC and BCB on Wednesday, where both parties upheld their positions. While the ICC emphasized that the tournament should proceed as scheduled, the BCB reiterated its inability to send its team to India.
Earlier, reports suggested that Pakistan threatened to withdraw from the T20 World Cup if Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches out of India was not met. In light of this, the PCB has advised its team to ease preparations for the event.
Additionally, Bangladesh proposed to the ICC that it be moved to Group B, swapping places with Ireland, which is scheduled to play its group matches in Sri Lanka. However, the ICC has reportedly assured Ireland that no such adjustment will occur.
India and Sri Lanka are set to co-host the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup starting on February 7. Nonetheless, the BCB has been firm that its league stage matches be shifted to Sri Lanka due to security concerns and rising tensions between Bangladesh and India.