Pakistan to review its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India amid growing concerns involving the Bangladesh cricket team, government sources confirmed.
The Bangladesh government has reportedly reached out to Pakistan for support over security issues. Insiders indicated that if Bangladesh’s concerns are not adequately addressed, it could affect the tournament’s preparations.
Pakistan has emphasised that no country should face pressure or threats regarding hosting responsibilities and has assured its neighbours of full support on the matter.
On January 11, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed its willingness to host Bangladesh’s matches in the T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided against travelling to India over security concerns.
PCB sources confirmed that Pakistan has formally communicated its interest in hosting Bangladesh’s fixtures should venues in Sri Lanka be unavailable.
They added that all Pakistani venues are fully prepared to stage World Cup matches and highlighted Pakistan’s successful hosting of major ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier.
Meanwhile, in another development, Cricket Ireland (CI) clarified that the ICC will not move Ireland’s group-stage matches out of Sri Lanka, dismissing reports of a possible group swap with Bangladesh.
This follows claims that the BCB had requested a group exchange due to concerns over travelling to India.
“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 confirmed.
Under the current schedule, Bangladesh are in Group B with West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy, playing their matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Ireland are in Group C alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman, with all fixtures in Sri Lanka.
The BCB reportedly discussed the possibility of a group swap with ICC officials in Dhaka on Saturday to minimise logistical challenges, though the proposal received little support from the ICC or Cricket Ireland.
The ICC delegation included Gaurav Saxena, General Manager, Events and Corporate Communications and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager, Integrity Unit, while the BCB delegation was led by president Md Aminul Islam.
According to the current schedule, Bangladesh will play their first three group matches in Kolkata — against West Indies on 7 February, Italy on 9 February, and England on 14 February — before concluding against Nepal in Mumbai on 17 February.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March.
Source: Geo Super
- Agencies
