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In a move that has sent shockwaves through the international cricketing community, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially halted all national team preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This drastic step is a direct show of solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which has expressed significant security concerns regarding playing its tournament fixtures in India.
The standoff comes at a critical juncture, as the tournament—co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka—is scheduled to begin in early February 2026. Pakistan’s decision to ease up on its training and preparation suggests a potential withdrawal from the event, a move that could jeopardize the commercial and competitive viability of the ICC’s flagship T20 tournament.
Pakistan pauses T20 World Cup build-up to stand with Bangladesh
The friction began earlier this month following a controversial directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI reportedly instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to revoke the contract of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. This decision, cited as being due to developments all around, sparked immediate outrage in Dhaka.
In retaliation, the BCB formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its matches—currently scheduled for Kolkata and Mumbai—to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh has maintained that the current political climate makes travel to India unsafe for its contingent.
Pakistan, led by PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, has now waded into the dispute. Following high-level discussions between Dhaka and Islamabad, Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan fully backs Bangladesh’s stance. Top PCB sources indicate that if Bangladesh’s demands for a venue relocation are not met, Pakistan is prepared to reconsider its own participation in the World Cup.
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ICC ultimatum and the $2 Million forfeiture risk
ICC currently finds itself in a diplomatic minefield. While the governing body’s independent risk assessments have labelled the security threat in India as low to moderate, the BCB remains unmoved. In a recent meeting, the ICC reportedly issued an ultimatum: Bangladesh must confirm its participation by January 21 or face being replaced in the tournament, with Scotland currently the frontrunner to take their spot.
For Pakistan, the stakes are equally high. Withdrawing from an ICC event without a valid reason (as defined by the ICC’s legal framework) could lead to a fine of up to $2 million for violating the Member’s Participation Agreement. Despite this, the PCB has even offered to host Bangladesh’s matches in Pakistan if Sri Lankan venues are at capacity, further challenging the existing hosting structure.
As the January 21 deadline approaches, the cricket world remains on edge. The potential absence of both Bangladesh and Pakistan would not only result in massive revenue losses for broadcasters and sponsors but would also mark one of the most significant political disruptions to international cricket in the modern era.
