- Sanaullah acknowledges economic consequences of boycott.
- Support for Dhaka for long-term benefit, says Prime Minister’s adviser.
- Pakistan-Bangladesh relations may enter a new phase: Sanaullah.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Saturday urged Pakistan to “stand with Bangladesh” following its decision to avoid traveling to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, noting the possible long-term benefits.
“I think we have to stand with Bangladesh on this. It will be in our long-term interest,” he said while talking about Pakinomist news program ‘Naya Pakistan’.
However, the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader acknowledged the financial implications for Pakistan cricket in the event of a potential boycott of the tournament.
“Maybe we will get less money. We can manage with less money, but the decision will have far-reaching consequences if Pakistan stands with Bangladesh today,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup due to Dhaka’s refusal to send its team to India for the event.
Soon after, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi said the board would take a decision on participation in the tournament as per government directives.
“Prime minister [Shehbaz Sharif] is currently not in the country. We will publish the final decision after he [PM] will return to the country,” Naqvi added.
Meanwhile, Sanaullah said Pakistan’s support to Bangladesh could help bridge the historical rifts between the two nations dating back to the fall of Dhaka in 1971.
“We can enter a new phase of relations where Pakistan and Bangladesh are like two brothers,” he added.
The PML-N leader emphasized that Pakistan’s support should be to Bangladesh as a country, not to any particular political party or government.
Referring to the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL), he said the Indian cricket board sent the player back without investigating his political affiliation.
PCB opposes Bangladesh’s exclusion
Pakistan has extended its support to Dhaka in its decision to avoid traveling to India, and has also written a letter to the ICC expressing support for the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) concerns.
Addressing the media earlier today, the PCB chief said Bangladesh has been “unfairly treated” by the ICC, saying Pakistan would announce the final decision on its participation after receiving directives from the government.
“I said the same in the ICC board meeting. You cannot have double standards where one country can take any decision at any time and do the opposite for another country,” Naqvi said.
“The fact is that Bangladesh is the same member as Pakistan. And our position is that if you have done this favor with Pakistan and India, then you should do the same with Bangladesh,” he added.
Condemning any attempt by “one country” to dictate another, Naqvi said Pakistan would present its own position if such attempts were made.
Tensions between India and Bangladesh
Relations between Bangladesh and India were strained after Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi following protests against her.
Political tensions have spilled over into cricket.
Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from this year’s IPL despite signing with his Kolkata franchise. Bangladesh responded by banning IPL broadcasts in the country and demanding to play World Cup matches in Sri Lanka.
The BCB also refused to send its team to India, which is co-hosting the 2026 T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka, citing concerns about the safety and security of players and staff.
The standoff reflects earlier tensions in South Asian cricket.
For the Champions Trophy last year, the Indian cricket board stuck to its policy of not touring Pakistan because of the strained political ties between the bitter neighbours, who only play each other in ICC events.
As for the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan, a ‘hybrid model’ was agreed upon, after which India were allowed to play their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai to save the tournament.
Under the agreement, which runs until 2027, Pakistan are scheduled to play their T20 World Cup 2026 matches in Sri Lanka.
The 20-team World Cup begins on February 7.
