Pakistan are contemplating a boycott of the T20I World Cup 2026 if Bangladesh do not travel to India citing security concerns, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.
Pakistan may boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 if Bangladesh's request to shift their matches out of India isn't accepted.
According to sources, Pakistan may also boycott if the Bangladesh team refuses to participate in the T20 World Cup.
If the ICC does not accept Bangladesh's position, Pakistan may also boycott the T20 World Cup.
A day after the International Cricket Council (ICC) turned down Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request of shifting their 2026 T20 World Cup group matches outside of India, Bangladesh will decide today whether to participate in the T20 World Cup or not.
Pakistan “may boycott" the tournament if Bangladesh stick to their stance and decide against participation.
Conflicting reports are emerging with Telecom Asia earlier cited sources in Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as claiming that withdrawing from the tournament is out of the question.
“Pakistan backed Bangladesh’s stance on principles because, on India’s insistence, their matches were moved out from Pakistan to Dubai, but the same reason by Bangladesh was not accepted, which is disappointing."
On Wednesday, the ICC Board voted against BCB’s request, saying the schedule of the tournament, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7, will not be altered.
“The ICC Board noted that relocating matches under the present circumstances could jeopardize the sanctity of ICC events and undermine the organization’s neutrality as a global governing body," the ICC said in a statement.
Out of 16 members, 14 voted against BCB’s relocation request. The ICC has given BCB one more day to reflect and take a final position.
“Of all the members, only BCB and Pakistan voted in favour of the relocation request while all others voted against it. Bangladesh was given time till January 21 to confirm its participation but they have been given one more day by the ICC Board to state their position."
Bangladesh government’s sports adviser Asif Nazrul is set to meet with the national cricketers today to apprise them of their position over the issue. Nazrul will also hear the players’ views.
Reporter: Wasim Ahmad