The Pakistan Cricket Board has shown readiness to host Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after Bangladesh raised concerns about travelling to India, according to Geo Super.
According to the media outlet, the PCB has formally informed relevant authorities that it is willing to stage Bangladesh’s fixtures if alternative arrangements in Sri Lanka are not possible.
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They added that cricket venues across Pakistan are fully prepared to host World Cup matches.
Reports further stated that Pakistan’s recent experience of hosting major international tournaments strengthens its case.
The country successfully organised high-profile ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier, demonstrating its ability to manage global competitions smoothly.
Bangladesh had earlier decided not to travel to India for their scheduled World Cup matches, citing security concerns for players.
The decision was taken on January 4 and came shortly after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was unexpectedly released from the Indian Premier League.
READ: Bangladesh urge ICC to take neutral stance on World Cup venue controversy
With political tensions between the two countries increasing, the Bangladesh Cricket Board formally approached the International Cricket Council and requested that their World Cup matches be moved to Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul confirmed the development through a post on his official Facebook account.
He also mentioned that the board sought an explanation over Mustafizur Rahman’s sudden removal from the IPL.
“Bangladesh will not go to India to play the World Cup. The board has made this decision today,” Nazrul said.
“We welcome this decision in light of the extreme communal policies observed by India’s cricket authorities,” he added.
Following Mustafizur’s exit from the IPL, the BCB held an emergency meeting and decided to formally ask the ICC to relocate their matches, stressing serious concerns over player safety.
“As Bangladeshi cricketer could not play in India despite holding a contract, the entire national team cannot feel safe participating in the World Cup there,” Nazrul said.
“I have instructed the board to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka. We will not tolerate any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, its players, or our country under any circumstances,” he added.
BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul also underlined that the safety of players remains the board’s highest priority.
The ICC has yet to announce a final decision on whether Bangladesh’s matches will be shifted from India or played as originally scheduled.
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Bangladesh are placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup 2026.
They are due to begin their campaign against West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Matches against Italy and England are scheduled at the same venue on February 9 and 14, respectively, before they face Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 17.
