Pakistan is expected to reassess 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 Pakinomist news.
The Bangladesh government has approached Pakistan for support in its decision not to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns, sources said.
They added that Pakistan supports Bangladesh’s legitimate concerns and stresses that they should be addressed and acted upon.
Pakistan has also stressed that no country should face pressure or threats from India, assuring Bangladesh of its full support in the matter.
On 11 January, 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 has formally communicated its interest in hosting Bangladesh’s matches if venues in Sri Lanka are not available.
They added that all Pakistani venues are fully prepared to host World Cup matches and highlighted Pakistan’s successful hosting of major ICC events including Champions Trophy 2025 and ICC Women’s Qualifier.
Meanwhile, in another development, Cricket Ireland (CI) clarified that the International Cricket Council (ICC) will not move Ireland’s group stage matches out of Sri Lanka, dismissing reports of a possible group swap with Bangladesh.
This follows claims that BCB had requested a squad exchange due to concerns over traveling to India.
“We have received definitive assurances that we will not move from the original schedule. We will definitely play the group stage in Sri Lanka,” a Cricket Ireland official confirmed.
Under the current schedule, Bangladesh are in Group B with the West Indies, England, Nepal and Italy, playing their matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Ireland are in Group C along with 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 challenges, although the proposal received little support from the ICC or Cricket Ireland.
According to the current schedule, Bangladesh will play their first three group matches in Kolkata – against the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 – before finishing 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.
