# Pakistan Will Not Boycott T20 World Cup Despite Bangladesh Tensions

> Pakistan has confirmed it will not boycott the ICC T20 World Cup despite Bangladesh’s security concerns in India. The PCB said advance withdrawal claims are false, noting Pakistan already plays some matches in Sri Lanka…

Published: 2026-01-20 · Desk: Latest · Source: Gulf News

Pakistan has clarified that it will not boycott the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin next month, in solidarity with Bangladesh.

When asked if Pakistan would withdraw from the tournament starting February 7 if Bangladesh’s matches in India were not rescheduled, a source close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) told RevSportz: “Nope, this is not the PCB’s stand.”

The source added that Pakistan has no reason to pull out, noting that the ICC would point out Pakistan is already playing some of its matches in Sri Lanka. “People just float such things to fire up the issue,” the source said.

Earlier, certain sections of the Pakistani media claimed that the PCB had halted preparations for the national team ahead of the World Cup. Officials clarified that the team management will be briefed on the next steps and asked to prepare a contingency plan in case Pakistan chooses not to participate.

Pakistan has, however, expressed full support for Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India, describing the latter’s security concerns as valid and reasonable. Reports indicate that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has contacted the PCB for diplomatic and cricketing support amid the ongoing standoff with the ICC.

The issue arose after Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL. The BCB wrote to the ICC requesting that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches be moved out of India due to “security and safety” concerns for players, staff, and officials. However, the ICC security team reportedly found “nil to negligible” threats at Indian venues, and the BCB could not provide substantial evidence.

Despite this, the BCB, prompted by the Bangladesh government, has maintained its stance of not sending the team to India. In its most recent meeting with an ICC delegation, the BCB suggested a group swap: moving Bangladesh to Group B while Ireland would shift to Group C. The BCB stated: “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.”

Group B matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka, and the ICC has reportedly assured Ireland it will not be forced to change groups. Bangladesh, meanwhile, is slated to play three group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.

The ICC is unlikely to revise the schedule, leaving the final decision with the BCB. Bangladesh has until 5pm (Dubai time) on January 21 to inform the ICC. Opting out would risk forfeiting points and financial penalties, as non-participation would violate the ICC’s participation rules linked to its revenue-sharing model.

Original reporting: https://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/icc/bangladesh-row-pakistan-not-to-boycott-t20-world-cup-1.500413264?fbclid=IwY2xjawPb9ppleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZR2prWnlyemRaemZObnZIc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHo8M224NsYkgGKmp1pLBmgGGCp4EnDPcwjZRvH0epmkD-uaEvyfayCnEqk-8_aem_sShhlfZQgywKl7yJLhoMwg
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