PCB offers to host Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches

Pakistan has offered to host Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, amid ongoing concerns over player safety in India.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that all its venues are fully prepared to stage the matches if they cannot be held in Sri Lanka. Pakistan has prior experience hosting major tournaments, including the 2025 Champions Trophy and ICC women’s qualifiers.

The move comes after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) took a firm stand on January 4, refusing to participate in matches in India due to security risks, a position reinforced after star pacer Mustafizur Rahman was suddenly withdrawn from the IPL. BCB subsequently requested the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, though no final decision has yet been made.

Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul confirmed on social media: “Bangladesh will not play in India. The board has taken this decision today.” BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul also reiterated that player safety remains the board’s top priority.

Bangladesh is in Group C of the T20 World Cup 2026. Their campaign is scheduled to begin against West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, followed by matches against Italy and England at the same venue. The group stage concludes with a match against Nepal on February 17 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.