The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday (January 24) announced the decision to remove Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to travel to India.

Earlier this month, the BCB requested the ICC to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India. The apprehensions came following heightened tensions between the two countries and the release of Mustafizur Rahman by IPL franchise KKR on BCCI’s instructions.

However, the ICC turned down the request, saying no such verifiable threat existed while also citing the logistical difficulty of altering the tournament schedule so close to the event. Bangladesh maintained their stance and were later replaced by Scotland in the 20-team tournament.

Now, a fresh report claims that the apex body will recall Bangladesh to the T20 World Cup if Pakistan decide to pull out.

Notably, the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is considering protesting the ICC’s decision on Bangladesh’s replacement, including the possibility of forfeiting its high-stake fixture against India or withdrawing from the marquee event.

Naqvi held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Monday (January 26) afternoon to discuss the government's stand on T20 World Cup 2026 participation.

The PCB chairman had earlier said that the government would take the final call on Pakistan's participation in the competition in view of the evolving situation following Bangladesh's exit.

According to a Hindustan Times report, if Pakistan go through the decision to boycott, the ICC will give Bangladesh the first chance to be a replacement.

“If Pakistan decide to withdraw, Bangladesh would be given the opportunity to replace them in Group A and play all their matches in Sri Lanka as per BCB’s original request. This arrangement would pose limited logistical challenges," the report quoted an official as saying.

Following the meeting with PM, Naqvi confirmed through social media that a final call is expected on either Friday (January 30) or Monday (February 2).

The report suggested that such a move would be in violation of a deal between the PCB, the BCCI and the ICC.

“It was on PCB’s demand that an understanding of the hybrid model was worked out between the Indian and Pakistani boards. By not playing, they would be violating a deal they themselves had worked for," the quoted official said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan announced their 15-member T20 World Cup squad on Sunday (January 25). Th squad features senior batter Babar Azam but sees the omission of pacer Haris Rauf. Salman Ali Agha will lead the side.