Last Updated:January 18, 2026, 19:37 IST
Pakistan may rethink about participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 if Bangladesh’s ongoing issue with the ICC over travelling to India remains unsolved.
Pakistan to review participation in T20 World Cup 2026. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Pakistan may rethink about participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 if Bangladesh’s ongoing issue with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over travelling to India for the shortest format mega-event remains unsolved. According to a report in NDTV on Sunday (January 18), Bangladesh have reached out to Pakistan to seek their diplomatic and cricketing support.
“The Bangladesh government contacted officials in Pakistan to seek support regarding their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup and received a positive response,” a source was quoted as saying by NDTV.
“Pakistan has indicated to us that they could reconsider their own participation if Bangladesh’s issue is not addressed,” the source added.
Pakistan’s news publication Geo has also confirmed the news of Bangladesh reaching out Pakistan for support.
“Pakistan to review its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India amid growing concerns involving the Bangladesh cricket team, government sources confirmed. The Bangladesh government has reportedly reached out to Pakistan for support over security issues. Insiders indicated that if Bangladesh’s concerns are not adequately addressed, it could affect the tournament’s preparations. Pakistan has emphasised that no country should face pressure or threats regarding hosting responsibilities and has assured its neighbours of full support on the matter,” the report stated.
Amid Bangladesh’s objection to travel India for their T20 World Cup 2026 Group C matches, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on January 11 expressed its willingness to host Bangladesh’s matches of the 20-team tournament starting February 7.
According to Geo, “PCB sources confirmed that Pakistan has formally communicated its interest in hosting Bangladesh’s fixtures should venues in Sri Lanka be unavailable. They added that all Pakistani venues are fully prepared to stage World Cup matches and highlighted Pakistan’s successful hosting of major ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier”
Bangladesh want to swap group with Ireland
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) called on the members of the ICC on Saturday (January 17) to permit a swap in groups as the Bangla Tigers seek to feature in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh, who are grouped alongside West Indies, Italy and England in Group B, and are slated to play at Kolkata, seek to be swapped with Ireland, who are pooled alongside Sri Lanka, Australia and Oman in Group C, and are scheduled to play in Colombo.
First Published:
January 18, 2026, 19:29 IST
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