LAHORE: Pakistan has extended full support to Bangladesh in the ongoing dispute over the Bangladesh cricket team’s refusal to travel to India for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches, amid escalating political and security tensions between Bangladesh and India.
According to reliable governmental sources, the Bangladeshi government directly contacted Pakistani authorities regarding the issue, where the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has cited serious safety and security concerns for its players, officials, and contingent if required to play their group-stage matches in India.
Sources revealed that Pakistani officials have assured Bangladesh of complete backing in this matter.
They described Bangladesh’s reasons as reasonable and justified, emphasizing that no country should be allowed to intimidate or bully another into participation under unsafe conditions.
Furthermore, sources indicated that if Bangladesh’s legitimate concerns are not adequately addressed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan may review its own participation in the T20 World Cup as a show of solidarity.
The controversy stems from deteriorating bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, triggered by events such as the forced release of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which Bangladesh views as politically motivated.
Bangladesh has formally requested the ICC to relocate all its four group matches—originally scheduled in cities like Kolkata and Mumbai to a neutral or alternative venue, possibly Sri Lanka (where Pakistan’s matches are already set due to similar India-related tensions) or even Pakistan, which has offered to host them if needed.
This development highlights growing subcontinental cricket diplomacy challenges, with the T20 World Cup set to begin on February 7, 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The ICC continues discussions with the BCB to ensure full participation while addressing the raised security issues.
Pakistan’s stance underscores solidarity among neighboring nations facing similar bilateral hurdles in international cricket events.
