The standoff involving the International Cricket Council (ICC), Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to intensify, with a new twist now emerging ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
What began with Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament could now lead to their return, not due to a policy shift by the ICC, but only if Pakistan withdraws.
The possibility surfaced after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi delayed a final decision on Pakistan’s participation after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday.
Naqvi had sought guidance on whether Pakistan should take part in the tournament following Bangladesh’s exclusion. A decision was expected after the meeting, but Naqvi later announced on X that the final call would be taken either on Friday or next Monday.
According to media reports, internal discussions within the ICC suggest that a Pakistan withdrawal could open the door for Bangladesh to be reinstated into the tournament. In that scenario, Bangladesh would take Pakistan’s place in Group A and play all of their matches in Sri Lanka, in line with the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s original request before its removal.
Sources indicate that such a move would not reflect a change in the ICC’s stance on Bangladesh’s security concerns. Instead, Bangladesh’s return would come as a result of the vacancy created by Pakistan’s exit.
The controversy began when the ICC officially removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026 and replaced them with Scotland. The decision followed the BCB’s refusal to send its team to India, citing security concerns.
Tensions escalated after a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) incident involving Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was reportedly dropped from the tournament after receiving threats from Hindu extremist groups.
Bangladesh pointed to the episode as evidence that if a single player could not be protected, the safety of an entire national team during a World Cup could not be guaranteed.
The ICC dismissed the argument, stating that the IPL incident was a domestic matter and unrelated to the World Cup’s security framework. The explanation failed to ease concerns and drew criticism from several quarters, including Pakistan.
Pakistan openly backed Bangladesh’s position. Reports suggest the PCB is weighing multiple protest options, including a possible boycott of its February 15 match against India in Colombo.
The board has continued to criticise the ICC’s handling of the situation, while Pakistan keeps all options on the table, including a formal protest or a withdrawal from matches against India.