The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it is prepared to host Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 should the fixtures be moved away from India.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Pakistan has emerged as a contingency option after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally decided that its team would not travel to India for the tournament, citing player safety concerns.
The PCB has communicated to the ICC that its venues and operational infrastructure are fully ready to stage World Cup matches on short notice if Sri Lanka — Bangladesh’s preferred alternative — is unavailable.
PCB confident after recent ICC events
PCB officials believe Pakistan is well-positioned to step in, pointing to its recent experience of hosting major international tournaments. Pakistan successfully staged the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier, events that were widely viewed as benchmarks for the country’s security arrangements, logistics, and match operations.
Sources say the PCB has assured the ICC that all designated venues meet international standards and can accommodate high-profile World Cup fixtures without disruption.
Bangladesh refuse to play in India
The situation escalated earlier this month when the BCB informed the ICC that Bangladesh would not play its scheduled T20 World Cup matches in India. The decision followed the sudden removal of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, an episode that triggered renewed debate in Bangladesh over player treatment and security.
Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul publicly confirmed the stance, stating that the country would not accept any arrangement that compromised the dignity or safety of its players. He also sought clarification from Indian authorities regarding Mustafizur’s unexpected IPL exit.
Following the development, the BCB held an emergency meeting and formally requested the ICC to relocate its World Cup fixtures. Sri Lanka was identified as the first-choice alternative host.
Political tension adds to uncertainty
The issue has unfolded against a backdrop of strained relations between Bangladesh and India. While neither the BCCI nor the IPL issued an official explanation for Mustafizur’s removal, the decision coincided with rising diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
In response, the Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of the IPL, further hardening the BCB’s position. Under the original schedule, Bangladesh were due to play their first three group matches in Kolkata, with their final group fixture in Mumbai.
Those venues have now become a focal point of contention as the ICC weighs its options.
ICC decision awaited
For now, the ICC has not announced a final call on whether Bangladesh’s matches will be shifted from India or remain as scheduled. With Sri Lanka’s availability uncertain, Pakistan’s willingness to host has added another layer to the discussion.
Any venue change would have significant implications for scheduling, logistics, and tournament planning as the countdown to the 2026 T20 World Cup continues.
