Pakistan is set to re-evaluate its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India-Sri Lanka following growing concerns related to the Bangladesh cricket team, sources said. PK Press Club News.
The Bangladesh government has sought Pakistan’s support over its decision not to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns, sources said.
They added that Pakistan shared Bangladesh’s legitimate concerns, stressing that they needed to be addressed and implemented.
Pakistan also stressed that no country should face pressure or threats from India, assuring Bangladesh of its full support on this issue.
On January 11, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed its willingness to host Bangladesh’s matches in the T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided not to travel to India due to security concerns.
PCB sources confirmed that Pakistan had formally expressed interest in hosting Bangladesh matches if venues in Sri Lanka were not available.
They added that all Pakistani venues are fully prepared to host World Cup matches and highlighted Pakistan’s success in hosting major ICC events including the 2025 Champions Trophy and ICC Women’s Qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland (CI) has clarified that the International Cricket Council (ICC) will not move Ireland’s group stage matches away from Sri Lanka, dismissing reports of a possible group swap with Bangladesh.
This follows claims that the BCB requested a group swap due to concerns over travel to India.
“We have received definitive assurance that we will not deviate from the original schedule. We will definitely play the group stage in Sri Lanka,” a Cricket Ireland official confirmed.
As per the current schedule, Bangladesh are in Group B along with West Indies, England, Nepal and Italy, playing their matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Ireland are in Group C alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe and Oman, with all matches in Sri Lanka.
The BCB reportedly discussed the possibility of a group swap with ICC officials in Dhaka on Saturday to minimize logistical problems, although the proposal received little support from the ICC or Cricket Ireland.
As per the current schedule, Bangladesh will play their first three group matches in Kolkata – against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 – before concluding against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
