T20 WC Deadline Day: Pakistan Cricket Board Sides with BCB Against India Matches
PCB supports BCB's refusal to play T20 WC in India on deadline day.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) faces a critical decision day on January 21, 2026, over whether its national team will participate in the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled in India. The controversy erupted after BCB cited security concerns over sending its players to India, following the earlier ousting of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. The International Cricket Council (ICC) issued an ultimatum to Bangladesh, warning that failure to confirm participation could lead to their replacement by another team.
In the latest development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally supported Bangladesh’s stance, citing political instability in the region. The PCB communicated its support to the ICC and copied all board members, emphasising solidarity with Bangladesh amid ongoing tensions in the cricketing calendar.
Players, meanwhile, have expressed mixed feelings. Najmul Hossain Shanto, a senior national player, said, “As cricketers, we always want to play. And when it’s an event like the World Cup, of course we want to be there. But internally, it’s difficult for me to comment. As players, we definitely want to play.”
Also Read: Litton Das Refuses to Comment on T20 World Cup Standoff: "Not Safe for Me"
Skipper Litton Das avoided giving a definitive answer, stating, “Are you sure we are going to play the World Cup? From my side, I am uncertain; everyone is uncertain. I think the whole of Bangladesh is uncertain at this moment. No answer. That is not safe for me.”
Meanwhile, Nazrul Islam, speaking on behalf of the board, emphasised Bangladesh’s position: “We can’t be forced to play in India under unreasonable and unrealistic pressure. If ICC bows to BCCI and exerts undue demands, we will not accept. We have requested a venue change for logical reasons; they cannot force us to play in India.”
The situation marks a tense deadline day in international cricket, with Bangladesh’s participation hanging in the balance and broader geopolitical concerns shaping the debate. All eyes now remain on the ICC announcement, which will determine whether Bangladesh will take the field in India or be replaced, potentially by Scotland or another team.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Backs Suryakumar Leadership But Flags Form Crisis for Team India
