Pakistan Supports Bangladesh Over 2026 T20 World Cup Venue Shift
Pakistan has officially backed Bangladesh’s request to move its matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 away from India, adding a new layer of pressure on the sport’s governing body.
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| Pakistan backs Bangladesh over 2026 T20 World Cup venue change amid ICC talks |
According to international media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sent a formal letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), expressing solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The communication reportedly supports Bangladesh’s stance of not playing its World Cup fixtures in India due to ongoing regional tensions and security-related concerns.
Sources say the PCB’s message was also shared with members of the ICC Board to ensure Pakistan’s position was officially recorded ahead of a key decision expected this week.
ICC Under Pressure as Talks Continue
The ICC is believed to be holding an important Board meeting to discuss Bangladesh’s request. The BCB has asked for its group-stage matches to be shifted to Sri Lanka, which is set to co-host the tournament alongside India.
Although it is not confirmed whether Pakistan’s intervention directly triggered the meeting, the timing has intensified scrutiny on the ICC, which is already dealing with a highly sensitive situation.
So far, ICC officials have maintained that the existing World Cup schedule should remain unchanged. Reports suggest Bangladesh was recently informed that moving matches out of India is not currently being considered.
Bangladesh Stands Firm on Its Position
Bangladesh, with clear backing from its government, has taken a strong position against traveling to India for the tournament. Several rounds of discussions between the ICC and BCB have taken place, including meetings in Dhaka, but no breakthrough has been achieved.
With the World Cup less than a month away, January 21 has reportedly been set as a deadline for clarity. Any further delay could risk disrupting tournament planning.
Speculation Grows Over Possible Alternatives
Pakistan’s involvement follows days of speculation over possible contingency plans. Some unconfirmed reports suggested Pakistan might be willing to host Bangladesh’s matches if the standoff continues, while others hinted that Pakistan could reassess its own participation depending on the ICC’s final decision.
The PCB has not publicly commented on these claims.
Roots of the Dispute
Tensions escalated after Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was unexpectedly removed from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The move reportedly strained cricketing relations further, eventually prompting Bangladesh’s government to formally declare that the national team would not play World Cup matches in India.
The situation has since spilled beyond international cricket. Reports from Bangladesh indicate domestic unrest, including protests linked to players during the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
What Happens Next?
With the ICC expected to deliberate imminently, the coming hours could prove decisive. Either Bangladesh’s venue request is accepted—or the tournament could face a serious participation and credibility crisis.
Final words
The ICC’s decision is now just a matter of hours. If Bangladesh’s request to change the venue is not approved, the 2026 T20 World Cup could face a major cricketing crisis, with not just the matches but even team participation at stake.
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FAQs
Q1: Why does Bangladesh want to move its T20 World Cup 2026 matches?
Bangladesh has cited regional tensions and security concerns as the main reasons for not wanting to play its matches in India.
Q2: What role has Pakistan played in this issue?
Pakistan has officially supported Bangladesh by sending a letter to the ICC, backing the request for a venue change.
Q3: Has the ICC agreed to change the schedule?
So far, the ICC has indicated that the tournament schedule should remain unchanged, but discussions are ongoing.
Q4: Could Bangladesh’s matches be moved to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is being considered as an alternative venue since it is a co-host of the tournament, but no final decision has been announced.
Q5: When will the final decision be made?
Reports suggest January 21 has been set as a deadline, with the World Cup starting soon.
Also read:Star Pakistan Pacer Could Miss Out on T20 World Cup 2026 Squad – Haris Rauf Case Explained
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