![Pakistan writes to ICC supporting Bangladesh [Source: @ShamimSports/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768973282377_pcbiccIndiaBangladeshPakistant20WorldCup.jpg?type=hq)
Pakistan writes to ICC supporting Bangladesh [Source: @ShamimSports/X]
In a significant development, the PCB has conveyed it to the ICC that it supports the BCB's stance of not sending the Bangladesh team to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. The PCB reckons that the BCB's demand is logical, and it would certainly be risky for the Bangladesh team to tour India in a time when the geopolitical relation between the neighbouring nations is at an all-time low.
PCB conveys Pakistan's stance on India-Bangladesh T20 World Cup stand-off
The year 2025 witnessed dramatic twists and turns as far as cricketing rivalry between the Asian nations were concerned. Cricketing action took the back seat, as politics significantly determined the action of the players as well as administrators on and off the field.
India refused to shake hands with the Pakistani players and collect the Asia Cup trophy from the PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi, on the backdrop of Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh became the centre of attention when the T20 World Cup approached, with the BCCI's decision to expel Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL prompting the BCB to revolt against India.
Following Mustafizur's unanticipated ouster from the IPL, the BCB refused to send the Bangladesh team to India for the T20 World Cup. The apex cricket body of Bangladesh also formally requested the ICC to relocate the Tigers' matches from India to Sri Lanka amid their strained political relationship.
After the ICC failed to resolve the crisis through dialogue with the BCB, the Pakistan Cricket Board wrote a letter to the former, explaining its stance on the matter. As revealed by ESPNCricinfo, the PCB has decided to stand firmly with the BCB, supporting its demand to move Bangladesh's matches out of India.
The report states that the PCB has also sent a copy of the letter to the ICC board members, trying to pressurise the governing body to take a suitable decision in Bangladesh's favour.
ICC to take a final call on Bangladesh matter on Wednesday
The ICC had sent its team of delgates to meet the BCB officials and arrive at a conclusion through dialogues and discussions. However, as per the latest reports, Bangladesh remains firm on its stance, refusing to play its T20 World Cup matches on Indian soil. In fact, the BCB also reportedly offered the ICC to swap its group with Ireland, but the latter refused to do so.
As things stand, the ICC is also not in favour of rescheduling Bangladesh's matches, given that the T20 World Cup is set to begin in a few days. However, the apex cricketing body has called a board meeting on Wednesday to take a call and finalise Bangladesh's schedule for the showpiece event.
As far as Pakistan is concerned, several reports claimed that the PCB was keen to host Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches at home. However, the Pakistani cricketing body hasn't verified the claims, with uncertainties still looming over Bangladesh's participation in the tournament.
