Pakistan Cricket Board Halts T20 World Cup Preparations Amid Bangladesh's Venue Concerns
PCB Suspends T20 World Cup Readiness
Mumbai: In a significant move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to pause its preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka next month. This decision comes in response to Bangladesh's request to relocate its matches due to security concerns.
Following a warning from Pakistan about potentially withdrawing from the tournament if Bangladesh's demands were not met, the PCB has instructed its team to scale back on training and preparations, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport.
According to high-ranking PCB officials, the board has officially halted all national team preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with management being informed of this development.
Pakistan has shown complete solidarity with Bangladesh's choice to refrain from traveling to India, as discussed in a recent conversation between officials from Dhaka and Islamabad. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Interior Minister and is a Senator, is actively involved in the discussions regarding this matter.
Naqvi communicated to the Bangladesh government that Pakistan fully supports their position and will reconsider its participation in the World Cup if Bangladesh's concerns are not adequately addressed.
However, sources indicate that the PCB has cautioned the government that withdrawing from the tournament would not be straightforward. They would need to provide a valid justification to avoid a potential fine of up to two million dollars for breaching the Member's Participation Agreement with the ICC.
Additionally, the PCB has proposed to host Bangladesh's matches in the T20 World Cup if suitable venues in Sri Lanka are not available.
Bangladesh has requested that its matches be moved to Sri Lanka after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming IPL 2026.
Reports suggest that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to make a final decision regarding Bangladesh's request by January 21, following a meeting with the Bangladesh Cricket Board where both sides maintained their positions.
Bangladesh has also proposed to the ICC that it be allowed to switch to Group B, taking Ireland's place, as Ireland is scheduled to play its group matches in Sri Lanka. However, the ICC has assured Ireland that no such change will occur.
ICC officials are reportedly frustrated with the Bangladesh Cricket Board's stance, as they believe the BCB has assured them that there is no security threat. The ICC has also warned that if Bangladesh withdraws, a replacement team will be nominated, with Scotland next in line based on rankings.