Bangladesh is set to play four group-stage matches of T20 World Cup 2026 in India.
The ICC's rejection of Bangladesh's request to shift their matches out of India to Sri Lanka for security reasons has sparked debate across the region, despite the fact that the tournament calendar remains unchanged.
The reason was Mustafizur Rahman’s exit from the KKR squad for IPL 2026 on BCCI’s orders, resulting in Bangladesh banning IPL broadcasts in the country and the BCB writing multiple emails to the ICC for a venue change.
Pakistan has supported Bangladesh's approach in principle, citing its own recent experience playing India at neutral grounds. However, PCB officials believe there is little room for maneuver at this point and see no legitimate reason for a boycott.
“Pakistan backed Bangladesh’s stance on principles because, on India’s insistence, their matches were moved out from Pakistan to Dubai, but the same reason by Bangladesh was not accepted, which is disappointing,” sources told Telecom Asia Sport.
The same sources emphasized that Pakistan's alternatives do not include withdrawing from the World Cup in spite of this backing.
“Pakistan is considering various options, but withdrawal from the event is never an option, nor was it considered,” the source added.
The report further highlighted that PCB officials knew that Pakistan will already play all of its matches in Sri Lanka, where they couldn’t claim any security concerns.
“PCB officials understand they do not have a valid reason to boycott the event, as they are already playing in a neutral venue,” the report added.
Sources added that a large portion of the rumors originated from social media and that Pakistan had never issued an official withdrawal threat.
Kamran Akmal, a former batsman and wicketkeeper for Pakistan, highlighted the sense of despair surrounding the ICC's decision, characterizing the outcome as predictable. He emphasized his thesis with instances from the past.
“Most of the ICC decisions prove they are in favor of India, and this should not happen, as member countries deserve equal treatment. The Champions Trophy case was one example where India’s will was accepted because they are a revenue generator for ICC, and they also forced Pakistan to host the 2023 Asia Cup on a hybrid model,” Kamran told Telecom Asia Sport.
“I think ICC was in a tough situation, as they had decided the schedule, and at this point, it was tough to change it,” he added.
Bangladesh is to play four T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Bangladesh is scheduled to play matches against the West Indies, Italy, and England in Kolkata on February 7, 9, and 14, respectively, before a final group fixture against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.