LAHORE, Pakistan: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has offered to host Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after Bangladesh decided not to travel to India, citing security concerns, local media reported on Sunday citing sources.
According to PCB sources, cited by local media, Pakistan has formally conveyed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) its readiness to stage Bangladesh’s World Cup fixtures if venues in Sri Lanka are not available.
The sources said all major cricket venues in Pakistan are fully prepared to host matches at short notice.
They added that Pakistan has recently hosted major ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier, demonstrating its capacity to organise international tournaments smoothly.
Bangladesh seeks relocation
Bangladesh took a firm position on January 4, deciding not to play its T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India.
The decision was made over concerns for player safety, following the sudden release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League.
Amid heightened political tensions between the two countries, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally approached the ICC to request the relocation of its World Cup fixtures to Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul confirmed the development in a post on his official Facebook page.
He said the board had also sought an explanation for Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL.
“Bangladesh will not go to India to play the World Cup. The board has made this decision today,” Nazrul wrote.
He added that the decision was taken in light of what he described as “extreme communal policies” by India’s cricket authorities.
Player safety concerns
Following Mustafizur’s release from the IPL, the BCB held an emergency meeting and decided to formally ask the ICC to move their matches, citing serious concerns over the safety of players.
“As a Bangladeshi cricketer could not play in India despite holding a contract, the entire national team cannot feel safe participating in the World Cup there,” Nazrul said.
He added that Bangladesh would not tolerate any insult to its cricket, players or country under any circumstances.
BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul also reiterated that player safety remains the board’s top priority.
ICC decision awaited
The ICC has yet to announce whether Bangladesh’s matches will be relocated or remain in India.
Bangladesh have been placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup 2026. They are scheduled to begin their campaign against West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
They are also due to face Italy and England at the same venue on February 9 and 14, respectively, before playing Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 17.
The T20 World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh squad
Bangladesh’s squad for the tournament includes Litton Kumar Das (captain), Saif Hassan (vice-captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Md Shaifuddin and Shoriful Islam.
