Pakistan could reconsider T20 World Cup participation in support of Bangladesh amid ICC-BCB standoff: Report

The International Cricket Council faces even more uncertainty with regards to the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Pakistan now reportedly reconsidering its participation in the tournament if the Bangladesh venue crisis is not resolved soon.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board have refused to budge from their original stance of not sending their team across the border to India for the mega event, having cited “safety and security” concerns as the reason, despite multiple talks with the Dubai-based governing body including a recent meeting in Dhaka.

And according to a report on NDTV, Bangladesh has sought diplomatic and cricketing support from Pakistan in its ongoing standoff with the ICC, and has received a positive response.

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“The Bangladesh government contacted officials in Pakistan to seek support regarding their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup and received a positive response. Pakistan has indicated to us that they could reconsider their own participation if Bangladesh’s issue is not addressed,” a source was quoted as saying in the report.

Will Pakistan add to T20 World Cup venue chaos? 

Relations between Islamabad and Dhaka have been on the mend since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in August 2024 following violent student protests, with their cricket boards having also worked closely in recent months including around the Asia Cup in September.

At the same time, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has adopted a stance that is largely critical of India, leading to a breakdown in relations with New Delhi.

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Bangladesh had been placed in Group C alongside two-time champions England and West Indies as well as neighbours Nepal and debutants Italy. As per the schedule that was announced in November, they play three of their four group matches at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and later face Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

The ICC, meanwhile, isn't likely to accept Bangladesh's request, especially since recent security audits found no credible threats against the Bangla Tigers in India. The Jay Shah-led body had offered Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram in southern India as alternate venues for Bangladesh.

The BCB, however, has remained adamant in their demand to play all of their matches in Sri Lanka – or in any other country including Pakistan and the UAE.

The Bangladeshi board had even suggested a swap with Ireland – who are placed in Group B along with former champions Australia and Sri Lanka as well as Zimbabwe and Oman and play all of their games in Sri Lanka.

Cricket Ireland, however, has reportedly struck down the suggestion and have insisted they’ll stick to the current plan.