Growing uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to halt preparations for the national team, media reports said, weeks ahead of the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
Media reports, citing informed sources, said Pakistan’s team management has been told that a formal briefing will be held later to outline the next steps. Officials have also been directed to develop a contingency plan should Pakistan ultimately decide not to take part in the event.
According to the reports, Pakistan has expressed full support for Bangladesh’s reluctance to travel to India, describing the neighbouring country’s security concerns as “reasonable and valid.” Sources added that Islamabad could reassess its own participation if the matter remains unresolved.
Officials were quoted as saying that no country should be pressured or coerced regarding hosting duties or participation decisions in international tournaments.
Earlier media reports suggested that Pakistan has begun internally reviewing its position on the World Cup, linking its participation to how Bangladesh’s concerns are addressed by tournament organisers.
PCB Offers to Host Matches
On January 11, the PCB publicly offered to host Bangladesh’s matches if Sri Lankan venues are unavailable. Board officials said Pakistan’s grounds are fully prepared to stage World Cup fixtures, pointing to the country’s recent experience of hosting major ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier.
Ireland Confirms Schedule Will Not Change
In a related development, Cricket Ireland clarified that the International Cricket Council will not shift Ireland’s group-stage matches from Sri Lanka, dismissing speculation that Bangladesh could be moved to a different group due to travel concerns.
“We’ve received definitive assurances that we won’t move from the original schedule. We’re definitely playing the group stage in Sri Lanka,” a Cricket Ireland official was quoted as saying.
Bangladesh’s Decision Expected Soon
A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation—particularly regarding travel to India—is expected by January 21, following recent discussions between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board in Dhaka.
During their second meeting within a week, BCB officials reportedly reaffirmed Bangladesh’s willingness to compete in the tournament but expressed a preference for playing matches outside India. Sri Lanka was proposed as a potential alternative venue.
The ICC has maintained that the tournament schedule will remain unchanged. Under the current fixtures, Bangladesh are placed in Group C and are scheduled to open their campaign against West Indies in Kolkata, followed by two additional group matches at the same venue before concluding the group stage in Mumbai.
ICC officials have reportedly informed the BCB that there is no specific security threat to the Bangladesh team in India.
Replacement Scenario Considered
Should Bangladesh ultimately decide against travelling to India, media reports indicate that the ICC may nominate a replacement team, with Scotland currently next in line based on international rankings.
