Rumors about Pakistan possibly skipping the next ICC Men’s T20 World Cup are now gone. According to sources, the PCB made it clear they won’t pull out of the event. Should Bangladesh choose to leave due to their conflict with the ICC, Pakistan still plans to play. Their stance stays firm regardless of what others do.
Fresh rumors claimed Pakistan could stop training or exit the tournament to support Bangladesh, due to worries over games being held in India. Still, information from RevSportz says insiders near the PCB call those ideas false and confusing.
A top PCB insider said straight up, “This does not reflect the board’s position.” That person added how Pakistan can’t really justify pulling out, given all agreements were locked in long ago.
Early in 2025, a deal was made. Because of it, Pakistan will play every one of their T20 World Cup games in Sri Lanka. India did not agree to go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, which led to this setup. The ICC gave its approval for using neutral grounds. So even though Bangladesh raised worries about safety, those concerns don’t change anything for Pakistan’s match locations.
“Pakistan don’t have any grounds to do so, because the ICC would point out that Pakistan are already playing their matches in Sri Lanka,” the source added. “People just float such things to fire up the issue.”
Bangladesh Faces Tensions Over ICC Decisions
Now things have gotten tense between Bangladesh and the ICC, all because of what unfolded during the IPL season. Word got out through Geo News that officials from Bangladesh contacted Pakistan, looking for help – on political grounds and within cricket circles – amid their dispute with international governing bodies.
Reports say things got worse when India’s cricket board told Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL team. Anger built up in Bangladesh’s camp after that move. Tension grew between the two governing bodies soon afterward.
Bangladesh hit back by blocking live coverage of the IPL at home, then officially asked the ICC to move their T20 World Cup games elsewhere than India. Drawn into Group B, they’re set to face opponents in Mumbai and Kolkata during the initial stage.
Security worries weighed heavily on minds when Bangladesh asked to skip certain games. Still, the global cricket body looked into it, then said danger there was almost non-existent
Group Swap Idea Turned Down
After the ICC said no, Bangladesh looked at another option. Instead of staying put, they suggested switching spots with Ireland. Ireland has all its games lined up in Sri Lanka already. Officials from Bangladesh admitted talking among themselves – then later with the ICC – about shifting groups. Their goal? Easing travel troubles and safety concerns. That idea also got reviewed from different angles.
“Among other points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed,” the BCB said in an official press release.
Bangladesh’s idea didn’t stand a chance after the ICC told Ireland nothing would change behind the scenes.
ICC Issues Ultimatum
As the tournament draws near, the ICC demands answers from Bangladesh before January 21. If they step away, Scotland – top of those left out – will take their spot in Group B instead. The clock is ticking.
Still, questions hang over whether Bangladesh will play. On the other hand, Pakistan’s position stands firm. The PCB insists it will take part, brushing aside rumors of pulling out together with others.
Facing today’s reality, Pakistan gets set to carry on in the World Cup straight out of Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, everyone watching waits for Bangladesh to decide – what they choose might just shift how the whole event unfolds.
