Pakistan has formally supported Bangladesh’s request to move its Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches away from India, adding a new layer of complexity to an already sensitive situation surrounding the global event.
According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent an official letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), clearly backing the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and its refusal to play matches in India due to security and political concerns.
📩 PCB Communicates Its Position to ICC
Sources indicate that Pakistan’s communication was shared not only with the ICC leadership but also circulated among ICC Board members, ensuring Pakistan’s stance was formally recorded ahead of an important decision.
The timing of the letter comes just before an ICC Board meeting, expected to discuss Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches to Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside India.
🌏 ICC Yet to Shift Its Position
Despite Pakistan’s backing, the ICC has reportedly maintained that the official tournament schedule remains unchanged.
Officials are said to have informed Bangladesh during recent discussions that relocating its matches out of India is not currently being considered, although talks are ongoing.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh Remains Firm
Bangladesh, supported by its government, has consistently maintained that it will not travel to India for its group-stage matches.
Multiple rounds of discussions have taken place, including meetings in Dhaka, but no breakthrough has been achieved so far. Reports suggest January 21 was set as a key deadline for clarity, with the tournament drawing closer.
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Role Raises Stakes
Pakistan’s involvement has intensified speculation about possible outcomes if the deadlock continues.
Unconfirmed reports have suggested:
-
Pakistan could offer to host Bangladesh’s matches
-
Pakistan might reconsider its own participation if Bangladesh’s concerns are ignored
However, the PCB has so far avoided public statements, choosing to work through official channels.
⚠️ Growing Fallout Beyond Cricket
The dispute reportedly traces back to developments involving Bangladeshi players in the IPL, after which diplomatic and cricketing tensions escalated.
Since then, the impact has spread beyond international cricket, with player-related unrest and disruptions emerging during Bangladesh’s domestic competitions as well.
⏳ Critical Hours Ahead
With the ICC expected to deliberate imminently, the coming hours could prove decisive — either leading to a venue adjustment or triggering a major participation crisis ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
