The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed interest in hosting Bangladesh’s fixtures in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that Liton Das’s side would not travel to India over security concerns.
PCB sources said that Pakistan’s venues are “ready and fully equipped” and could serve as an alternative if Sri Lankan grounds are unavailable. They added that the country has successfully hosted major international tournaments in recent years, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifiers 2025.
The move comes amid tense relations between the BCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following the exclusion of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL squad. The decision coincided with a deterioration in diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and India, though no official reason was given by the IPL or BCCI for Rahman’s omission.
According to PCB sources, Pakistan could easily accommodate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures, with all designated venues prepared to host matches. Under the current schedule, Bangladesh are due to play their first three group-stage matches in Kolkata, with the final group match in Mumbai. The venues became contentious after Rahman’s removal from KKR.
Following the decision, the Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of the IPL, and the BCB formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its choice not to play matches in India. The ICC is expected to make the final decision on whether Bangladesh’s games will be moved to an alternative host nation.
