LAHORE: After the Bangladesh Cricket Board (PCB) decided not to travel to India due to security concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed interest in hosting the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, according to reports. Jio is super On Sunday.

According to PCB sources, Pakistan has formally expressed its interest to host Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches if the stadiums are not available in Sri Lanka.

The sources said that all the Pakistani stadiums are fully prepared to host the World Cup matches.

The sources added that Pakistan has already successfully hosted major ICC events including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifiers and hence has the capacity to host these tournaments as well.

Bangladesh had earlier taken a firm stand on January 4, deciding not to participate in its T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, citing concerns over player safety.

The decision follows the sudden dismissal of star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Amid rising political tensions between the neighbours, the BCB formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) and requested that its World Cup matches be shifted to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh’s youth and sports adviser Asif Nasrul confirmed the development in a post on his official Facebook page, saying the board has sought clarification on Mustafizur Rahman’s unexpected exit from the IPL.

“India will not go to Bangladesh to play the World Cup. The board has taken this decision today,” Nazrul said.

“We welcome this decision in light of the extreme communal policies observed by the Indian cricket authorities,” he added.

Following Mustafizur’s release from the IPL on Saturday, the PCB called an emergency meeting and decided to formally request the ICC to change their matches, citing serious safety concerns for the players.

“The entire national team cannot feel safe participating in the World Cup because a Bangladeshi cricketer has a contract and cannot play in India,” Nasrul wrote.

“I have instructed the board that the Bangladesh World Cup matches should be held in Sri Lanka. We will not tolerate any disrespect to Bangladesh cricket, its players or our country under any circumstances,” he added.

BCB chairman Aminul Islam Bulbul also reiterated that the safety of the players remains the board’s top priority.

The ICC is yet to take a final decision on whether Bangladesh’s matches will be shifted to another venue or continue in India.

Bangladesh have been placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup 2026 and will open their campaign against the West Indies on February 7 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

They will face Italy and England at the same venue on February 9 and 14 respectively before completing their group-stage matches against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17.

Bangladesh Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup:

Liton Kumar Das (catch), Saif Hasan (VC), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Eman, Tawhid Hridoi, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nazoom Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Dansim, Shoful Ahmad Islam.

comments

Submit