In a rapidly unfolding development ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has signalled its readiness to host the Bangladesh national team’s fixtures if the current impasse over match venues cannot be resolved.
The offer comes after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially communicated to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not send its team to India for the tournament, citing serious safety and security concerns for its players and support staff. The BCB’s request seeks relocation of Bangladesh’s four scheduled matches — originally set to take place in Kolkata and Mumbai — to a different host nation.
According to PCB sources, Pakistan’s cricket venues, including international-standard stadiums in cities like Karachi and Rawalpindi, are fully prepared and can be made available should Sri Lanka — the co-host nation — be unable to absorb the relocated fixtures. The PCB emphasised that its pitches and facilities meet global criteria for staging high-profile matches on short notice.
The tension stems from a controversial dispute involving Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, whose release from an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise earlier this month escalated diplomatic strains between Bangladesh and India. This controversy has contributed to the BCB’s firm stance on refusing to travel to India for the World Cup.
At this stage, the ICC has yet to issue a response or final decision on the relocation request, and all parties remain in discussions to find a workable solution that safeguards the tournament’s schedule while addressing Bangladesh’s concerns.
Cricket authorities are watching closely as the decision — which could reshape part of the World Cup’s itinerary — may have broader implications for international cricket diplomacy in the region.
