The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after Bangladesh sought Pakistan’s support in its ongoing standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over playing matches in India.
According to reports, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reached out to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in an effort to strengthen its demand for relocating Bangladesh’s group-stage matches from India to Sri Lanka. Sources claim Pakistan has responded positively, signalling that it could reconsider its own participation if Bangladesh’s concerns are not addressed.
The development significantly raises the stakes for the ICC, with the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7, leaving little room for prolonged negotiations.
Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India
Bangladesh have maintained a firm stance for nearly a month, refusing to travel to India for the T20 World Cup citing security concerns. Despite an ICC-commissioned security assessment reportedly finding no specific threat, the BCB has remained unconvinced.
An ICC delegation recently travelled to Dhaka to hold discussions with Bangladesh officials, but the talks failed to produce a breakthrough. During the meeting, the BCB put forward a fresh proposal — a group swap with Ireland, who are set to play all of their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka.
The ICC, however, rejected the request, stating that altering group allocations at this stage would disrupt tournament planning.
Pakistan steps in, pressure mounts on ICC
What was initially a bilateral issue between Bangladesh and the ICC has now escalated into a broader diplomatic and cricketing challenge. Sources quoted by NDTV revealed that Bangladesh approached Pakistan for support and received a favourable response.
“The Bangladesh government contacted officials in Pakistan to seek support regarding their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup,” a source said.
“Pakistan has indicated that it could reconsider its own participation if Bangladesh’s issue is not addressed.”
While the PCB has not issued an official statement, the reported stance adds a new layer of complexity for the ICC. Any potential withdrawal or boycott by two Full Member nations would represent an unprecedented crisis for a global ICC event.
Improving Bangladesh-Pakistan relations
The timing of Pakistan’s support is notable, coming amid improving relations between the two cricket boards. Over the past year, Islamabad and Dhaka have worked closely on several regional cricket matters, including the Asia Cup, where PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly received backing from BCB president Aminul Islam.
Political developments have also played a role, with relations between India and Bangladesh deteriorating following last year’s political upheaval in Dhaka and the subsequent asylum of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India.
IPL fallout adds fuel to tensions
Cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh have further cooled after Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. Although no official reason was given, the decision triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh.
Soon after, reports emerged that IPL broadcasts were restricted in Bangladesh, and the BCB formally informed the ICC of its decision not to play World Cup matches in India.
ICC holds its ground — for now
Despite mounting pressure, the ICC has so far refused to alter the existing schedule. Ireland have been assured that their group placement will remain unchanged, while Bangladesh have been told that security arrangements in India meet ICC standards.
With the tournament less than a month away, the ICC now faces a narrowing window to resolve the impasse. Any last-minute changes could have major implications for scheduling, broadcasting, and commercial commitments.
What happens next?
At present, the situation remains at a stalemate. Bangladesh continue to insist they will not travel to India, while the ICC has shown little willingness to revise its plans. Pakistan’s reported solidarity has only intensified the pressure on cricket’s global governing body.
As the countdown to the T20 World Cup 2026 continues, the coming days could prove decisive. Whether the ICC opts for a compromise solution or stands firm risks shaping not only this tournament, but how future global events are handled amid geopolitical tensions.
For now, uncertainty looms over one of cricket’s biggest showpieces.
