Pakistan has reportedly clarified they will not boycott the T20 World Cup 2026, even if Bangladesh withdraws over security concerns.
Pakistan has dismissed reports suggesting they considered skipping the T20 World Cup 2026 in support of Bangladesh. A RevSportz report stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board has no plans to withdraw, even if Bangladesh decides not to travel to India for the tournament.
Officials clarified that Pakistan remains committed to the event because their fixtures are scheduled entirely in Sri Lanka. This arrangement was finalised in early 2025 after India declined to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Board sources also indicated that speculation around a boycott lacks basis and only adds unnecessary noise.
“Nope, this(boycott) is not the PCB’s stand. Pakistan don’t have any grounds to do so, because the ICC would point out that Pakistan are already playing their matches in Sri Lanka. People just float such things to fire up the issue,” RevSportz quoted the source as saying.
ICC Rejects BCB’s Request to Shift Matches from India
Earlier, tensions escalated after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad, a decision that upset the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Soon after, Bangladesh stopped IPL broadcasts and requested the ICC to move its T20 World Cup group matches away from India. Placed in Group B, Bangladesh is scheduled to play in Mumbai and Kolkata. The board raised safety concerns for players and officials, but the ICC rejected the request after assessing minimal risk at Indian venues.
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Bangladesh then suggested a group swap with Ireland, whose matches are in Sri Lanka. The ICC declined the proposal. The board must confirm participation by January 21, or Scotland will reportedly replace them.
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