The Pakistan Cricket Board has formally written to the International Cricket Council. It is voicing support for Bangladesh’s reservations about travelling to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, ESPNcricinfo reported.
In its letter, the PCB endorsed the Bangladesh Cricket Board‘s position, which cites regional political instability and security concerns. Sources said the correspondence was also shared with ICC board members ahead of a crucial meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
The ICC is expected to take a final call on Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament during the meeting. The BCB has requested that its World Cup matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, one of the event’s co-hosts. Instead of India, matches should be played in Sri Lanka.
🚨PCB FULLY BACKING BANGLADESH AGAINST INDIA
PCB has sent a letter to the ICC expressing full support to Bangladesh's demand of relocating their World T20 matches out of India. ( Espn Cricinfo) pic.twitter.com/BJZbFDMNcX
— junaiz (@dhillow_) January 21, 2026So far, the ICC has maintained its stance to proceed with the existing schedule. It has repeatedly told the BCB that Bangladesh must play its fixtures in India as planned. Discussions between the ICC and BCB, including a recent round of talks in Dhaka, have failed to break the deadlock.
Backed by the Bangladeshi government, the BCB continues to refuse to allow the group-stage matches to be held in India. Meanwhile, the PCB’s intervention has drawn attention but is not expected to alter the ICC’s current position.
Read: PCB Chairman Proposes Player Auction and Higher Salaries for PSL 11
Speculation had intensified in recent days about Pakistan’s role in the matter. Unverified reports suggested that Pakistan offered to host Bangladesh’s matches and was even reassessing its own participation in the tournament. The PCB, however, has made no public statement.
The issue traces back to the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026. This was done on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, without an official explanation. Afterward, Bangladesh banned the broadcast of the IPL and formally informed the ICC of its refusal to play World Cup matches in India.
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026. Bangladesh are currently set to open their campaign against West Indies in Kolkata. They will play two more group matches at the same venue. Then, they will finish the group stage in Mumbai.
