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PCB Backs Bangladesh's T20 World Cup Venue Change Request From India

The Pakistan Cricket Board has written to the International Cricket Council expressing support for Bangladesh's request to not play its matches in India during the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board maintains it cannot send its team to India due to political tensions and security concerns, while the ICC insists the tournament proceed as scheduled. Bangladesh has suggested swapping its group with Ireland, whose matches are in Sri Lanka, but the ICC has reportedly assured Ireland against such a move. India and Sri Lanka are set to co-host the tournament beginning February 7, 2026.

Key Points: PCB Supports Bangladesh's T20 WC Venue Change Request

  • PCB writes to ICC supporting Bangladesh
  • BCB refuses to send team to India
  • ICC insists tournament be held as scheduled
  • Bangladesh proposes swapping groups with Ireland
2 min read

PCB writes to ICC supporting Bangladesh's T20 WC venue change request: Reports

PCB writes to ICC supporting Bangladesh's stance to not play in India during the 2026 T20 World Cup amid political tensions.

"supports the BCB's stance on not wanting to play in India amid prevailing political tensions - ESPNcricinfo report"

New Delhi, Jan 21

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Tuesday reportedly wrote to the International Cricket Council supporting Bangladesh's stance of not wanting to play their matches in India during the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

The ICC is expected to make a final decision on Bangladesh's participation in the 2026 men's T20 World Cup on Wednesday.

As per ESPNcricinfo report, the PCB wrote to the global cricket governing body stating that it supports the BCB's stance on not wanting to play in India amid prevailing political tensions between the two countries. The report claimed that PCB has also copied members of the ICC Board in the letter.

It has been learnt that the ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board held a meeting on Wednesday, where both parties maintained their respective positions. While the ICC has insisted that the tournament be held as per schedule, the BCB has maintained that it cannot send its team to India.

Earlier, Pakistan had reportedly threatened to pull out of the T20 World Cup if Bangladesh's demand to relocate its matches out of India was not accepted, the PCB has acted and asked the team to ease up on its preparations for the event.

It has also been reported that Bangladesh suggested to the ICC that it be moved to Group B, swapping places with Ireland, which plays its group matches in Sri Lanka. However, the ICC has reportedly assured Ireland that no such move will be made.

India and Sri Lanka are set to co-host the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup starting on February 7. But the BCB has been adamant that its league stage matches be shifted to Sri Lanka amid security concerns and growing tensions between Bangladesh and India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, as a cricket fan, this is disappointing. The T20 World Cup is a celebration. If every bilateral issue affects multi-national tournaments, we'll never have smooth events. The ICC needs to take a firm stand here.
R
Rohit P
PCB supporting BCB? Not surprising, but it feels like political posturing more than genuine concern for players. India's security record for sporting events is impeccable. Hope the ICC doesn't set a bad precedent by giving in.
S
Sarah B
While I understand there are tensions, pulling out threats and venue changes so close to the event isn't fair to fans or other teams. It creates unnecessary chaos. Diplomacy should happen off the field.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, I want to say our country is perfectly safe for all athletes. This feels less about security and more about making a political statement, which has no place in a World Cup. Let the best team win, on the pitch.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the BCCI and Indian authorities could do more to publicly assure visiting teams. A little proactive communication about security arrangements might help ease these concerns. Just a thought.
A
Ananya R
Feeling sad. Cricket connects so many of us in South Asia. These tensions affecting the game is

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