The issue surrounding the Bangladeshi team’s refusal to travel to India for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup continues, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday expressed its willingness to host Bangladesh’s matches if Sri Lankan venues are deemed unavailable.
The PCB sources claimed that Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure is fully prepared to stage World Cup fixtures at short notice. The board has conveyed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that all major venues in the country meet international standards and are ready to host high-profile T20 matches.
Pakistan has recently strengthened its case as a reliable host nation by successfully staging major international events, including the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier. PCB officials believe this track record demonstrates the country’s ability to ensure smooth operations, strong security, and world-class facilities for global tournaments.
The development comes amid Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for its T20 World Cup matches. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reportedly raised concerns over the security of its players and support staff while playing in India.
The ICC is yet to take a final decision on whether Bangladesh’s matches will be relocated from their original venues. Discussions are ongoing, with Sri Lanka initially considered as an alternative host. However, with uncertainty surrounding venue availability, Pakistan has emerged as a potential option. For now, the ICC continues to evaluate logistical and security considerations before announcing a final call on the hosting arrangements for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures.
It is worth mentioned here that Bangladesh had earlier refused to travel to India for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, with the BCB citing concerns around “safety and well-being” of the players in a climate of deteriorating political ties between the two countries, and sparked by BCCI instructions to Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman.
