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Published : 19 Jan 2026, 08:11 PM
Uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup persists, with reports suggesting the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) must confirm its decision by a set deadline.
Amid this, some media speculated that Pakistan might boycott the tournament if Bangladesh withdrew. Gulf News, however, reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has no such intention.
Citing a source close to the PCB, the UAE-based outlet wrote on Monday: “Nope, this is not the PCB’s stand.”
The report cited RevSportz that Pakistan has no grounds to withdraw, noting that the team is already scheduled to play matches in Sri Lanka.
“People just float such things to fire up the issue,” the source was quoted as saying.
Bangladesh’s fixtures are all scheduled in India.
Citing security concerns, the BCB has formally requested the ICC to move its matches out of India and has held two meetings with ICC officials, reiterating its stance.
The ICC, however, has indicated that it will not alter the schedule.
Reports suggested Bangladesh must submit its final decision by Wednesday.
ESPNcricinfo noted that if Bangladesh does not travel to India, a replacement team -- Scotland, based on rankings -- could be selected.
Previously, Pakistani media reported that the team had paused training ahead of the World Cup.
PCB has expressed full support for Bangladesh’s decision, describing the security concerns as reasonable and valid, and BCB has sought both diplomatic and cricketing support from Pakistan amid ongoing talks with the ICC.
The ongoing tension began after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the Indian Premier League, following protests over alleged minority persecution in Bangladesh.
In response, the BCB, citing player safety, requested that its World Cup matches be moved from India.
Bangladesh is slated to face the West Indies in Kolkata on Feb 7, play two group matches against Italy and England in Kolkata, and conclude against Nepal in Mumbai.
