Pakistan will skip WC if Bangladesh crisis remains unresolved

With less than three weeks left before the start of the T20 World Cup, uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation has yet to be resolved. Pakistan has now added to the concern. Pakistani media outlets Geo Super and TelecomAsia.net have reported that Pakistan may reconsider its participation in the T20 World Cup if Bangladesh’s issues are not resolved.

Following the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, BCB, has expressed concern over players’ security in India. As a result, the BCB sent a letter to the International Cricket Council, ICC, requesting that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka. Although the ICC attempted to persuade Bangladesh to change its decision, it has so far failed to do so.

Most recently, an ICC delegation held a meeting with BCB officials in Dhaka yesterday but was unable to secure a change in position. This has further deepened uncertainty over whether Bangladesh will take part in the T20 World Cup.

In this situation, the Bangladesh government has contacted the Pakistani government. Citing Geo Super sources, Pakistani media reported that Islamabad considers Bangladesh’s position legitimate and will extend full support on the matter.

According to the sources, the reasons cited by the BCB for its reluctance to play in India are reasonable. Pakistan has also stated that no country can be forced to play against its will. If Bangladesh’s problems remain unresolved, Pakistan will reconsider its own decision to participate in the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan has also said it will monitor the situation to ensure that India does not exert any pressure on Bangladesh. Pakistani authorities stated that they respect Bangladesh’s security concerns and will stand fully by its side.