Pakistan board writes to ICC backing Bangladesh over India matches

An ICC meeting on Wednesday is likely to decide venues

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in support of Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for the T20 World Cup.

According to cricket website ESPNcricinfo, the letter was sent on Tuesday.

A final decision on the matter is expected following an ICC meeting on Wednesday.

ESPNcricinfo said it could not confirm whether the PCB’s letter prompted the ICC to convene the meeting.

The website had earlier reported that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had until Wednesday to clarify its position, with a decision expected within that period.

The PCB’s intervention has added a new dimension to the issue on the eve of the decision.

ESPNcricinfo, however, says that the ICC’s stance is unlikely to change.

Both the BCB and ICC have maintained their stances despite discussions in two formal meetings and several rounds of dialogue.

The BCB has raised security concerns, while the ICC insists no team faces any specific threat.

Recent reports in Pakistani media suggested Pakistan might host Bangladesh’s matches, boycott the World Cup, or halt preparations in solidarity.

PCB officials have not confirmed these claims.

Gulf News cited the PCB saying there were no such plans, and the board declined to comment to ESPNcricinfo.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on Feb 7, with Bangladesh set to play its first match against the West Indies in Kolkata.

Bangladesh is not expected to travel there, and a final decision on whether the match will move to Colombo or Kandy is expected soon.