Pakistan declares itself T20 World Cup 2026 co-host, hijacks India’s Bangladesh matches

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is yet to receive any reply from the ICC regarding its concerns over travelling to India for the T20 World Cup 2026. Amid the uncertainty, the Pakistan Cricket Board has shown interest in hosting Bangladesh’s matches if Sri Lanka cannot host during the global tournament.

Tensions between India and Bangladesh have increased since Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from the IPL 2026 squad. The situation grew more serious after the Bangladesh Cricket Board asked the International Cricket Council to shift Bangladesh’s matches from India to Sri Lanka.

Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India made the move amid strong reactions in India over KKR signing a Bangladeshi player during a period of political and social unrest in Bangladesh, which further strained relations between the two countries.

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PCB Offers to Host Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Matches Amid Security Concerns

According to Geo Super, the Pakistan Cricket Board has shown readiness to host Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The report added that PCB has formally informed the ICC of its willingness to step in if Sri Lanka is unable to host Bangladesh’s fixtures.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its willingness to host Bangladesh’s matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided not to travel to India due to security concerns," sources told Geo Super on Sunday.

"According to PCB sources, Pakistan has formally conveyed its interest in hosting Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures if venues in Sri Lanka are unavailable. The sources added that all Pakistani venues are fully prepared to stage World Cup matches," the report stated.

PCB Confident Pakistan Can Host Bangladesh’s World Cup Matches

The report added that Pakistan is confident it can host the matches without issues, citing its recent experience of major ICC tournaments. The PCB believes the country has the infrastructure and readiness to manage World Cup fixtures smoothly if given the chance.

"The sources further stated that Pakistan has already successfully hosted major ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier, and is therefore capable of organising these matches smoothly as well," the report added.

ICC Yet to Decide on Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Venues

The ICC has not yet taken a final call on whether Bangladesh’s matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 will remain in India or be shifted elsewhere. The matter is still under discussion, and no decision has been announced so far.

As per the current schedule, Bangladesh are placed in Group C and will begin their campaign on February 7 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

They are also set to face England and Italy at the same venue on February 9 and February 14. Bangladesh will play their final group-stage match against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17.

The T20 World Cup 2026 will be held from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka. For now, Bangladesh are scheduled to play all four of their group matches in India unless the ICC makes changes.

Also read: Tamim Iqbal accused of being an ‘Indian Agent’ as Bangladesh Cricket descends into ugly controversy