PCB jeopardizes Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparations, declines tri-series proposal

Pakistan have reportedly turned down Bangladesh’s proposal for a T20 tri-series in December, with Sri Lanka as the third team. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by Mohsin Naqvi, declined the invitation due to concerns over player workload, and several key cricketers are already committed to the Big Bash League.

With no international fixtures scheduled for December and January, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) granted its players permission to take part in overseas franchise leagues such as the Big Bash League and the ILT20 in the UAE.

After that, Pakistan will have a packed schedule with bilateral series and major tournaments leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. The board is expected to manage player workload carefully to keep them fresh for a busy calendar across formats.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

PCB Rejects Bangladesh’s Invite for Tri-Series in December

According to a report by PTI, Pakistan declined Bangladesh’s request for a tri-series. A PCB official confirmed that the BCB had proposed hosting Pakistan and Sri Lanka as part of their preparation for the T20 World Cup.

Stars like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan have been cleared to participate in the Big Bash League during December–January, while others, such as Fakhar Zaman, are set to feature in the ILT20.

“As it is, we have already allowed Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan NOCs for them to take part in the Big Bash league in Australia in December-January, while some other players like Fakhar Zaman are appearing in the Emirates International League," the official added.

PCB Allows Players to Join Overseas Leagues Ahead of Busy 2026 Schedule

The senior PCB official confirmed that with no international matches scheduled for December and January, Pakistan’s players have been granted permission to participate in select overseas leagues.

Cricket Australia requested the Pakistan Cricket Board to ensure Pakistani players are available for the entire tournament when issuing NOCs. This window provides rare flexibility for players before a demanding phase begins in February.

Pakistan have a packed calendar featuring several World Test Championship series along with the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The official emphasized that the upcoming workload will require careful management to keep players fit and ready for the long international season ahead.

Pakistan Army Provides Security Assurance for Sri Lankan Players

Pakistan’s military stepped in to ensure the continuation of the Sri Lanka series after the visiting players expressed safety concerns. Mohsin Naqvi told the Senate that Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir personally engaged with senior Sri Lankan officials to reassure them.

Following these high-level discussions, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that the tour would continue as planned. However, the schedule was slightly revised. The next match will take place on November 18, with all remaining fixtures shifted to Rawalpindi instead of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The 2009 Lahore terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus left several players injured and claimed the lives of Pakistani security personnel and civilians. The incident remains one of the darkest moments in cricket history.

Also read: Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant body shame Temba Bavuma, call him a DWARF