Dhaka, Jan 22 (V7N) — Pakistan may also boycott the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in February, if Bangladesh withdraws from the tournament, Pakistani media outlet Geo News reported.

Quoting multiple sources from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Geo News said that Pakistan could take such a decision if the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not accept Bangladesh’s demand to relocate its matches from India to another venue.

Bangladesh has expressed security concerns about playing matches in India and has requested that its fixtures be shifted to Sri Lanka. If this demand is not met and Bangladesh pulls out of the tournament, Pakistan — the 2009 T20 World Cup champions — may follow the same path, the report said.

Background of the Dispute

The situation reportedly escalated after Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was initially signed by a Kolkata-based IPL franchise but later released. Following this, it was announced that the broadcast of the upcoming IPL season in Bangladesh would be halted, and renewed demands emerged for Sri Lanka to co-host Bangladesh’s World Cup matches.

However, the ICC has rejected Bangladesh’s request to move the matches. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also maintained its stance, reiterating that it is not willing to send the team to India.

Two Possible Outcomes

In the current situation, Bangladesh faces two difficult options:

  • Withdraw its demand and participate in the tournament in India, or

  • Be excluded from the World Cup altogether

The ICC has clearly stated that if Bangladesh does not participate, another team may be included in its place.

Tournament Schedule

According to the pre-announced schedule, the 10th edition of the ICC T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with the opening match between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

END/SMA/AJ