The drama over Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 participation just doesn’t end. First, Bangladesh sent letters to the ICC before offering a swap with Ireland as far as placing of groups is concerned. After ICC rejected that proposal, Bangladesh are given a deadline until January 21 after which they would replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament. However, now, Pakistan, another rival of India, have jumped into the drama. They now hint they could stay away from the tournament if the ICC forces Bangladesh to play its matches in India.
Bangladesh have maintained since January 4 that they will not travel to India for their group games, citing security and domestic political concerns. The ICC has so far stood firm, insisting the original schedule will remain unchanged and setting a January 21 deadline for a final decision. Now Pakistan’s intervention has spiced up the situation.
Pakistan to stand with Bangladesh against ICC-BCCI
Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh started after officials in Dhaka reportedly sought diplomatic backing from Islamabad. The response, according to reports, was unequivocal. “Bangladesh’s reasons for not going to India are valid, and no one can force them. Pakistan fully supports Bangladesh and will reconsider its participation if the issue remains unresolved,” a source told Telecom Asia Sport.
Another source added that Islamabad had conveyed to the ICC that “Pakistan has emphasised that no country should face pressure or threats regarding hosting responsibilities and has assured its neighbours of full support on the matter,” as reported by Geo News. Not just this, the same publication has also reported that PCB has halted Pakistan’s preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026 as well. They have asked the management to prepare for a contingency plan in case Pakistan actually pull out of the mega event. It was previously reported as well that the PCB is ready to host Bangladesh’s matches in Pakistan if Sri Lanka cannot accommodate them.
The Pakistan team will be seen next in action when they host Australia for a three-match T20I series in Lahore. Australia have announced an interesting squad for the same, which matches set to take place on January 29, 31 and February 1.
The roots of the conflict trace back to the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad on BCCI instructions, a move that triggered outrage in Bangladesh and led to a ban on IPL broadcasts. With the tournament set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, the ICC has little time left to find a compromise.
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule
| Date | Teams | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Feb 7, 2026 | West Indies vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Mon, Feb 9, 2026 | Bangladesh vs Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 11:00 AM |
| Sat, Feb 14, 2026 | England vs Bangladesh | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Tue, Feb 17, 2026 | Bangladesh vs Nepal | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
Cricket
Pakistan may not play T20 World Cup 2026 if ICC rejects Bangladesh's anti-India plea
