NEW DRAMA! Pakistan to not play T20 World Cup 2026 if THIS issue remains unsolved: Reports

Bangladesh have refused to come to India for the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan have inserted itself in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 controversy between Bangladesh, the ICC, and the BCCI. This relates to the Bangladesh board’s refusal to send their team to India for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play four matches in India for the T20 World Cup, with three games in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Bangladesh will clash against 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.

Bangladesh board got irked by BCCI ordering the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the KKR squad for IPL 2026 after protests about the atrocities being committed on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. In retaliation, Bangladesh refused to play their T20 World Cup games in India and banned IPL broadcasts.

They wrote to the ICC twice, expressing their concerns about traveling to India and also raising issues related to the safety of their players in the country. They suggested hosting their games outside of India, preferably in Sri Lanka, or swapping their group with Ireland, who will play all of their games in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan made a big statement on the T20 World Cup 2026

Another solution was suggested by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which offered to host Bangladesh’s matches in Pakistan for the T20 World Cup. Thus far, the ICC has maintained its position, stating that the initial timetable would not be altered and establishing a deadline of January 21 for a final decision.

The issue has now become more intense due to Pakistan’s intervention. Following reports that officials in Dhaka requested diplomatic support from Islamabad, Pakistan began to show support for Bangladesh. Reports state that the response was clear-cut.

“Bangladesh’s reasons for not going to India are valid, and no one can force them. Pakistan fully supports Bangladesh and will reconsider its participation if the issue remains unresolved,” a source told Telecom Asia Sport.

“Pakistan has emphasized that no country should face pressure or threats regarding hosting responsibilities and has assured its neighbors of full support on the matter,” as reported by Geo News.

It remains to be seen what decision Bangladesh takes, as the ICC has set January 21 as the deadline for them to make a decision. There are reports that if Bangladesh refuses to play in India, the ICC might replace them in the said group, removing them from the competition altogether.

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