PCB Writes To ICC Backing Bangladesh’s Stand On T20 World Cup 2026: Report

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The controversy surrounding venues for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has intensified after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly extended formal support to the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) refusal to play matches in India.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the PCB has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), backing Bangladesh's position just a day before a crucial ICC board meeting that is expected to deliver a final verdict on the matter.

The PCB has also briefed other ICC board members on its stance. However, the communication is not expected to alter the ICC's position, with the global body understood to be firm on proceeding with the existing schedule. The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are slated to play their group-stage fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai.

The BCB has requested the ICC to relocate its matches to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India. Tensions escalated following the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, a decision reportedly taken after instructions from the BCCI. The move triggered strong reactions in India, particularly amid outrage over attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, which has further strained the situation.

Despite Bangladesh's insistence, the ICC has conveyed to the BCB that the tournament schedule will not be revised. The governing body believes that altering venues at this stage would set an undesirable precedent and complicate logistical planning for a global event of such scale.

Adding another layer to the uncertainty, there have been unverified reports suggesting that the PCB has offered to host Bangladesh's matches should the ICC reconsider its stance. Speculation has also emerged that Pakistan could reassess its own participation in the tournament depending on how the situation unfolds, although no official confirmation has been made.

The issue is now expected to be a key agenda item at the upcoming ICC board meeting, where stakeholders will attempt to resolve the impasse. With the tournament still months away, the ICC remains focused on maintaining the original hosting framework agreed upon by member boards.

As matters stand, Bangladesh's refusal and Pakistan's backing have created a diplomatic challenge for world cricket, placing the ICC under pressure to balance security concerns, tournament integrity, and contractual commitments ahead of the 2026 showpiece.