Pakistan may withdraw if Bangladesh don’t play: Reports

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on February 7 and co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has entered uncharted territory, with Bangladesh firmly requesting that their matches be moved from India to Sri Lanka.

Sources told Indian and Pakistani news outlets, including NDTV and Geo Super, that Islamabad has offered its backing and indicated that it may reconsider its own participation in the tournament if Bangladesh’s concerns are not addressed. 

Geo Super reported that Pakistan considers Bangladesh’s position legitimate and will monitor the situation to ensure India does not exert undue pressure.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally refused to play its World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns, and has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift its fixtures to Sri Lanka. This move follows Indian authorities’ withdrawal of Bangladeshi star bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, citing safety issues.

The ICC has attempted to mediate, sending a delegation to Dhaka to discuss solutions. Talks were described as “constructive and professional,” but the BCB remained firm, emphasising the safety of players, management, fans, and media. While the ICC has considered minor adjustments -- such as moving Bangladesh to a different group to minimise disruption -- major fixture changes remain a logistical challenge so close to the tournament.

The potential withdrawal of Bangladesh -- and possibly Pakistan -- threatens the very structure of the T20 World Cup. Pakistan are scheduled to play their opening match against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 6, with marquee clashes against India set for February 13 in Chennai and February 15 in Colombo.
According to the existing schedule, Bangladesh are to open against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7, with further matches in Kolkata against Italy and England.

Any cancellations or relocations could spark an unprecedented crisis for cricket’s global showpiece event.

As the clock ticks down, the ICC faces mounting pressure to resolve the standoff. The coming weeks will determine not only the fate of the 2026 T20 World Cup schedule but also the delicate balance of cricket diplomacy in South Asia.