PCB supports Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2026 controversy; ICC decision on their participation expected today. Latest updates on matches & security concerns.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is at the center of a diplomatic and cricketing controversy as Bangladesh’s participation remains uncertain. Ahead of the final decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stepped into the discussion, officially writing to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to support Bangladesh’s stance of refusing to travel to India for the tournament due to security concerns.
The ICC is expected to announce its final verdict on Wednesday, January 21, with the World Cup scheduled to begin on February 7. According to reports, the PCB’s letter, which also included ICC Board members in the correspondence, emphasized Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) concerns while urging the ICC to consider their position.
Despite PCB’s intervention, sources indicate that the ICC is unlikely to change its position. The governing body has reiterated that Bangladesh can play their matches in Sri Lanka instead of India, ensuring the World Cup schedule remains intact. Discussions between ICC and BCB over the past weeks, including the most recent meeting in Dhaka, have not resulted in any shift from either party.
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Deadline and Possible Replacements
The ICC has set January 21 as the deadline to finalize a decision. This ensures that if Bangladesh withdraws, the replacement team will have at least 15 days to prepare for the mega event. Speculation also surrounds the PCB, with unconfirmed reports suggesting Pakistan offered to host Bangladesh’s World Cup matches. Additionally, PCB’s own participation in the tournament may be evaluated depending on the outcome of Bangladesh’s decision, although no official confirmation has been provided.
Bangladesh captain Litton Das confirmed that the players are still uncertain about their World Cup participation. “Are you sure that we are going to the World Cup? In reality, there is still a long time left before the World Cup, and we are not even sure whether we will go or not,” Das told the media. He added that knowing their group opponents or host country in advance would have been beneficial for preparation.
With just days left before the ICC’s final announcement, the cricketing world waits to see whether Bangladesh will travel to India or continue with an alternative arrangement in Sri Lanka. PCB’s official backing adds another layer to the ongoing saga, highlighting the complex interplay of cricket, security, and international diplomacy ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
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