Pakistan could consider boycotting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 if Bangladesh decide not to participate in the tournament over their refusal to travel to India, sources have told Geo News.
According to sources familiar with the developments, Pakistan’s stance will depend on how the International Cricket Council (ICC) responds to Bangladesh’s demand to move their matches out of India. Should the global body maintain its position and Bangladesh withdraw from the event, Pakistan may also reconsider its participation.
Bangladesh have expressed serious reservations about travelling to India, citing security concerns amid strained political relations between the two countries. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had formally requested the ICC to shift their group-stage matches to Sri Lanka, the co-host of the tournament, but the request was turned down.
Tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi have already spilled into cricketing matters. Earlier this year, Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was left out of the Indian Premier League despite being signed by a Kolkata-based franchise, a move that further aggravated the situation. In response, Bangladesh reportedly restricted IPL broadcasts and hardened its stance on playing World Cup matches in India.
Despite the ICC rejecting their request, the BCB has stood firm so far. However, the board now faces limited options — either withdraw its demand and travel to India or risk being replaced by another team in the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7.
BCB President Aminul Islam had previously sought additional time from the ICC to consult with the Bangladeshi government. Sources say the government is expected to take senior players into confidence later today before reaching a final decision.
Notably, most senior Bangladesh players are understood to be in favour of participating in the T20 World Cup, despite the ongoing uncertainty.
The ICC, meanwhile, has made it clear that altering the schedule without a credible security threat could set an unhealthy precedent for future global events.
As per the official schedule, Bangladesh are placed in Group C and are set to play their first three matches in Kolkata — against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 — before wrapping up their group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
With the clock ticking and tensions rising, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications not just for Bangladesh, but for the tournament as a whole.
