Pakistan not considering T20 World Cup boycott over Bangladesh issue

Amidst uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan has made its position clear that it will not boycott the tournament to show solidarity with Bangladesh. Despite speculation and media reports stating a possible joint stand, sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have dismissed the idea of withdrawing from the marquee event, scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

The controversy comes from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) refusal to send its team to India for their group-stage matches, citing security and safety concerns. The situation increased after Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL contract was terminated, following which the BCB formally requested the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches out of India. However, the ICC’s security assessment reportedly found nil to negligible threat levels at Indian venues, weakening Bangladesh’s case.

Triggered by the Bangladesh government, the BCB has continued to push for alternatives, including a proposal to swap groups with Ireland. Notably, Bangladesh is currently placed in Group C and is scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. A group swap would move them to Group B, whose matches are slated to be played in Sri Lanka.

Amid reports that Bangladesh had reached out to Pakistan for diplomatic and cricketing support, the PCB has firmly denied any intention of boycotting the tournament. A source close to the PCB told RevSportz that Pakistan has no grounds to withdraw, especially since their own matches are already scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka.

The source further revealed that such boycott-related speculation is largely unfounded and focused on triggering controversy. While Pakistani media outlets respected that Bangladesh had approached Islamabad for support, the PCB’s official will honour its commitment to the ICC event.

Meanwhile, the PCB has shown a cooperative approach by expressing the desire to host Bangladesh’s matches if required, provided venues in Sri Lanka are unavailable. According to reports, Pakistan has formally communicated this option to the ICC.

However, the ICC is unlikely to revise the tournament schedule at this late stage. Ireland, which would be affected by any group swap, has reportedly received assurances that it will not be forced into logistical changes. As things stand, the onus is now on the BCB, which has until 5 pm (Dubai time) on January 21 to inform the ICC of its final decision.

If Bangladesh chooses not to participate, they risk forfeiting points and facing financial penalties. Non-participation would breach the ICC’s participation clause, potentially impacting Bangladesh’s revenue share from the global body.