PCB halts World Cup preparations over Bangladesh boycott stance

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has halted preparations of the national team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after Pakistan announced its support for Bangladesh’s decision to boycott T20 matches in India, sources said.

According to officials, the team management will be briefed later on the future course of action and has also been asked to prepare a contingency plan in case Pakistan decides not to take part in the tournament. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.

Sources said Pakistan has expressed full support for Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India, describing Dhaka’s security concerns as reasonable and valid. Officials added that if the issue regarding Bangladesh’s participation is not resolved, Pakistan will reconsider its own involvement in the event.

Insiders said Pakistan is fully backing Bangladesh and has made it clear that no country should be pressured or threatened over hosting responsibilities. Reports emerged earlier that Pakistan is reviewing its participation if Bangladesh’s concerns are not addressed satisfactorily.

On January 11, the PCB conveyed its willingness to host Bangladesh’s World Cup fixtures in Pakistan if venues in Sri Lanka are unavailable. Officials said all Pakistani venues are ready to host matches, citing Pakistan’s successful hosting of major ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier.

Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland clarified that the ICC will not move Ireland’s group-stage matches from Sri Lanka, rejecting reports that Bangladesh could be shifted to a different group due to travel concerns. A Cricket Ireland official confirmed that Ireland would play its group matches in Sri Lanka as per the original schedule.

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A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation is expected by January 21 after recent discussions between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board in Dhaka. During meetings, the BCB reiterated its willingness to play but said it preferred matches outside India, with Sri Lanka suggested as an alternative venue.

The ICC has maintained that the original schedule will remain unchanged, with Bangladesh placed in Group C. Bangladesh is set to open its campaign against West Indies in Kolkata, followed by two more group matches at the same venue before finishing in Mumbai.

The ICC has told the BCB that there is no specific security threat to the Bangladesh team. In case Bangladesh withdraws, the ICC is expected to nominate a replacement team, with Scotland currently next in line based on rankings.