New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has apparently told Bangladesh to play its T20I World Cup matches in India or get replaced in the tournament, as reported by India Today. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been given time till January 21 to respond.
The BCB had earlier written to the ICC about a perceived threat that the Bangladesh team faces if it plays matches in India. Authorities in India – that is co-hosting the World Cup with Sri Lanka – have clearly said that there are no threats for any side.
The BCB had written to the ICC on January 17, seeking a swapping of groups. Bangladesh is in Group B along with West Indies, Italy and England. It wants to be swapped with Ireland, pooled alongside Sri Lanka, Australia and Oman in Group C. All matches of this group are to be played in Colombo.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, has also reached out to Pakistan for support on the issue, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Pakistan may rethink participating in the tournament unless Bangladesh’s ongoing issue with the ICC is resolved, it has been reported.
“The Bangladesh government contacted officials in Pakistan to seek support regarding their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup and received a positive response,” a source was quoted as saying by NDTV.
“Pakistan has indicated to us that they could reconsider their own participation if Bangladesh’s issue is not addressed,” the source added.
Pakistan’s media outlet Geo has also confirmed the news of Bangladesh reaching out to Pakistan for support.
“Pakistan to review its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India amid growing concerns involving the Bangladesh cricket team, government sources confirmed. The Bangladesh government has reportedly reached out to Pakistan for support over security issues. Insiders indicated that if Bangladesh’s concerns are not adequately addressed, it could affect the tournament’s preparations. Pakistan has emphasised that no country should face pressure or threats regarding hosting responsibilities and has assured its neighbours of full support on the matter,” it has been reported by Geo.
With Bangladesh expressing reluctance to travel to India for the World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed its willingness to host Bangladesh’s matches in the World Cup that starts on February 7.
“PCB sources confirmed that Pakistan has formally communicated its interest in hosting Bangladesh’s fixtures should venues in Sri Lanka be unavailable. They added that all Pakistani venues are fully prepared to stage World Cup matches and highlighted Pakistan’s successful hosting of major ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier,” Geo reported.
