If Bangladesh Skips T20 World Cup, Pakistan May Also Withdraw

Staff Report: PNN

Uncertainty is increasing ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka next month. If Bangladesh decides not to participate in the tournament, Pakistan may also withdraw as part of a show of solidarity, according to international cricket circles.

Due to diplomatic and security concerns, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested ICC to shift their scheduled matches from India to Sri Lanka, but ICC rejected the request. ICC’s stance is that schedule changes are only possible for specific, verifiable security risks.

According to Pakistani media sources, if Bangladesh refuses to play in India and ultimately skips the World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board may seriously consider following the same path. This could cause a major crisis for the global tournament.

Recent political tensions between Bangladesh and India have impacted the cricketing field as well. In particular, dissatisfaction arose in Dhaka when national team pacer Mustafizur Rahman was left out of the tournament despite having IPL commitments. Following this, the Bangladesh government banned IPL broadcasts and demanded World Cup matches be hosted outside India.

In this context, BCB President Aminul Islam has requested ICC for time to make a decision. Sources within BCB say that most experienced players are in favor of participating in the World Cup.

ICC stated that changing the schedule due to political or diplomatic reasons could undermine the neutrality and order of future ICC events, and therefore remains firm on the current schedule.

According to the current schedule, Bangladesh is in Group C, with matches against West Indies, Italy, and England at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, starting February 7. The group stage’s final match will be held in Mumbai against Nepal.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s potential withdrawal adds pressure on ICC. Cricket insiders suggest that if Bangladesh’s request is completely ignored, Pakistan may also reconsider participation. Analysts say that if major teams like Bangladesh and Pakistan do not play, it will significantly impact the tournament’s commercial value, spectator interest, and global credibility. All eyes are now on the high-level government-player meeting in Dhaka today.