Pakistan are unlikely to boycott the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 even if the International Cricket Council (ICC) turns down Bangladesh’s request to shift their matches away from India, according to a media report. The development comes amid speculation surrounding logistical and political sensitivities linked to the tournament’s hosting arrangements.
A report by Revsportz quoted a source close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as saying that Pakistan has not taken any official position on the issue. The source dismissed suggestions of a potential boycott, stating that such claims do not reflect the PCB’s stance and lack a practical basis within the ICC’s framework.
“Nope, this is not the PCB’s stand. Pakistan don’t have any ground to do so, for the ICC would tell the PCB that they are already playing their matches in Sri Lanka. People just float such things to fire up the issue,” the source was quoted as saying. The remark indicates that Pakistan’s current arrangements weaken any argument for opposing the tournament structure.
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Bangladesh had reportedly sought a change in venue for their matches in India, though the ICC has not publicly confirmed whether it will accept or reject the request. The issue has prompted debate across cricketing circles, particularly in the context of regional relations and tournament logistics.
Pakistan’s matches for the T20 World Cup 2026 are expected to be held in Sri Lanka under existing arrangements, a factor that appears to reduce the likelihood of Pakistan taking a confrontational approach. According to the report, this setup makes it difficult for the PCB to justify any form of protest or boycott related to venue concerns.
The ICC has yet to issue an official statement addressing the Bangladesh request or the broader controversy. However, indications from within the PCB suggest that Pakistan will continue to engage with the tournament as scheduled, aiming to keep cricketing commitments separate from speculative disputes surrounding hosting decisions.
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