In a significant move ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has paused its team preparations, backing Bangladesh’s decision to withdraw from playing matches in India, as reported by Geo News. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to confirm this development.
Previously, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), amidst ongoing reports of minority atrocities in Bangladesh. In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has urged the ICC to relocate all T20 World Cup 2026 matches due to security and safety concerns for their players.
The PCB has deemed Bangladesh’s concerns as both reasonable and valid, extending its full support to the BCB. Reports from Islamabad indicate that Pakistan’s management is formulating a contingency plan should the team choose not to participate in the prestigious tournament. If the situation regarding Bangladesh remains unresolved, Pakistan may reconsider its involvement in the T20 World Cup.
An ICC source noted that the board has urged the BCB to make a definitive decision or face the risk of being removed from the tournament. Should the BCB opt out of sending their team to India, the ICC is likely to appoint a replacement, potentially Scotland, based on current rankings.
As it stands, Pakistan is placed in Group A for the T20 World Cup 2026, alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. Meanwhile, Group C features Bangladesh, England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies. Bangladesh is set to kick off their tournament on February 7 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while Pakistan will also begin its campaign on the same day, facing the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Sri Lanka. The highly anticipated match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is slated for February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
(With ANI Inputs)