Pakistan Offers to Host Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Games as India Security Row Escalates
In a dramatic twist ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally offered to host Bangladesh’s matches after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to play its scheduled games in India. The move, confirmed by sources on Tuesday, places the International Cricket Council (ICC) at the center of a growing geopolitical sports crisis.
The Pakistan host Bangladesh T20 World Cup proposal came after BCB expressed security concerns to the ICC and requested Sri Lanka as an alternative venue. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated, “We have told the ICC that if needed, Pakistan is ready to step in and provide a secure, neutral venue for Bangladesh.” No official ICC statement has been released, but the board now faces a tight deadline to resolve the unprecedented venue dispute.
Why Bangladesh Doesn’t Want to Play in India
Tensions began late last year following the IPL auction, where Kolkata Knight Riders signed Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman. After reports of communal violence in Bangladesh, small-scale protests in India targeted Rahman’s IPL participation. The BCCI subsequently denied him clearance, leading KKR to release him on January 3.
In retaliation, Bangladesh banned IPL broadcasts nationwide—a decision backed by its government. The BCB then escalated matters by formally requesting the ICC to relocate their T20 World Cup 2026 matches away from India. “Player safety and national sentiment are non-negotiable,” a BCB official told media anonymously.
The Mustafizur Rahman Effect: How One Player Ignited a Crisis
The Mustafizur Rahman IPL ban became the flashpoint in deeper political grievances between Dhaka and Delhi. Analysts say Bangladesh’s firm stance reflects widening diplomatic friction. “Cricket is mirroring regional politics,” says sports commentator Karishma Ahmed. “When boards take such unilateral steps, it signals a breakdown in sporting diplomacy.”
Bangladesh’s current group stage schedule in India includes:
- February 7: vs West Indies (Kolkata)
- February 9: vs Italy (Kolkata)
- February 14: vs England (Kolkata)
- February 17: vs Nepal (Mumbai)
ICC’s Tough Call: Neutral Venue or Forced Compromise?
The ICC prefers keeping tournaments as scheduled, but the ICC venue controversy now risks affecting other teams. Sri Lanka, the BCB’s preferred choice, hasn’t confirmed availability. Pakistan’s offer, while logistically feasible, could spark objections from the BCCI, given the historic rivalry.
“This isn’t just about cricket—it’s about ICC’s authority in managing political tensions,” says former ICC event manager Rahul Nair. “They must decide: accommodate Bangladesh’s concerns or enforce the original plan.”
What’s Next for Fans and Teams?
With the tournament two years away, there’s time for negotiation. However, if the deadlock continues, the ICC may consider a hybrid model like the 2023 Asia Cup, where Pakistan hosted some matches and Sri Lanka the rest. Such a solution could satisfy Bangladesh without formally moving games away from India.
For now, all eyes are on the ICC’s next move. Will cricket’s governing body prioritize safety and diplomacy, or will it hold firm to the original roster? One thing is clear: in today’s world, the pitch is as political as it is sporting.
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