ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board is contemplating a serious review ofits participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 if the ongoingdispute involving Bangladesh and the International Cricket Council oversecurity concerns in India fails to reach a satisfactory resolution.Government sources in Islamabad have confirmed this stance amid escalatingtensions that could disrupt the global showpiece event scheduled tocommence on February 7 in the co-hosting nations of India and Sri Lanka.This development has injected fresh uncertainty into preparations for thetournament, with diplomatic and cricketing support extended to Dhakapotentially influencing broader participation decisions.
The crisis originated when the Bangladesh Cricket Board firmly decidedagainst sending its team to India for group-stage matches, citingheightened security risks to players, officials, and support staff.Bangladesh’s concerns gained momentum following recent political shifts inDhaka and perceived bilateral strains, including the release of fast bowlerMustafizur Rahman from an Indian Premier League franchise. The BCB hasformally communicated these reservations to the ICC, emphasizing playersafety as non-negotiable and suggesting alternatives such as relocatingmatches to Sri Lanka or exploring group swaps to minimize disruptions.
In response to Bangladesh’s outreach, Pakistani authorities have assuredfull diplomatic and cricketing backing, underscoring that no nation shouldface undue pressure or threats in fulfilling hosting obligations forinternational events. Sources close to the matter revealed that Bangladeshgovernment officials contacted counterparts in Pakistan seeking solidarity,receiving a positive indication that unresolved issues could promptIslamabad to reassess its own involvement in the tournament. This positionhighlights growing regional solidarity between the two boards followingimproved ties post-political changes in Bangladesh last year.
The PCB has already demonstrated proactive support by offering to hostBangladesh’s fixtures domestically should alternative arrangements in SriLanka prove unfeasible. Officials pointed to Pakistan’s proven track recordin managing major ICC tournaments, including the successful staging of the2025 Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s Qualifier, to underlinelogistical readiness. All major Pakistani venues are reported to be fullyprepared, with the offer formally conveyed to the ICC as a viablecontingency to ensure the tournament proceeds smoothly without excludingany participating nation.
The International Cricket Council now faces mounting pressure to broker anamicable solution, having held discussions with BCB representatives inDhaka to explore options like venue adjustments or group realignments.However, proposals such as swapping groups with other teams haveencountered resistance, including from Cricket Ireland, which confirmed itsfixtures will remain in Sri Lanka as originally planned. Bangladesh’sgroup-stage schedule currently includes matches in Kolkata against WestIndies, Italy, and England, followed by a game in Mumbai against Nepal,arrangements that the BCB deems unacceptable under prevailing circumstances.
Analysts warn that a potential non-participation by Bangladesh and Pakistanwould represent an unprecedented challenge for the ICC, risking significantreputational damage and financial implications for the flagship T20 event.The tournament’s integrity could be compromised if two Full Member nationsopt out, especially given the geopolitical undertones influencingcricketing decisions in the subcontinent. Pakistan’s stance appears rootedin principles of fairness and mutual support, reflecting a broader messagethat security and equitable treatment must prevail over politicalconsiderations.
The situation has evolved rapidly in recent days, with the ICC delegationengaging stakeholders to address logistical and integrity concerns. WhileCricket Ireland has dismissed major schedule alterations, ongoingnegotiations suggest the governing body remains committed to findingpractical resolutions that safeguard all teams’ participation. The comingweeks will prove critical as the February start date approaches, with theoutcome potentially reshaping regional cricketing dynamics and testing theICC’s ability to navigate complex bilateral issues.
The PCB’s conditional review of participation serves as a strong signal ofsolidarity, potentially compelling swift action from global cricketauthorities. Observers note that Pakistan’s offer to step in as a hostalternative not only underscores its growing stature in event managementbut also emphasizes the need for inclusive solutions in multi-nationtournaments. As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring the T20World Cup 2026 upholds the spirit of international cricket withoutsuccumbing to external pressures.
Source:https://www.news18.com/cricket/pakistan-to-review-participation-in-t20-world-cup-2026-if-bangladesh-issue-remains-unresolved-report-ws-no-9840398.html
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