NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday requested Pakistan to honour its scheduled T20 World Cup fixture against India, stressing that playing the match would benefit the wider cricket ecosystem.
“Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on February 15 against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem,” Islam said in a statement.
In a statement issued in Dhaka, the BCB praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi for showing “exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity” during talks aimed at breaking the deadlock.
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The ICC, PCB and BCB have reached a constructive understanding following Bangladesh’s absence from the T20 World Cup 2026, cricket’s governing body said in a statement.
The ICC reaffirmed Bangladesh’s status as a valued Full Member, confirmed there will be no financial or sporting sanctions on the BCB, and assured continued support to protect cricket’s growth in the country. Bangladesh will also host an ICC event between 2028 and 2031, underlining the ICC’s long-term commitment to the Bangladeshi cricket ecosystem.
“Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation,” said ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta.
“Our focus continues to be on working closely with key stakeholders, including the BCB, to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened.
“Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration, and is not defined by short-term disruptions.”
PCB under pressure
The pressure has been mounting on the PCB from all corners. A few days ago, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) also urged it to reconsider its decision to boycott the India vs Pakistan fixture.
In a two-page letter written by SLC, it reminded the PCB of Sri Lanka’s past support for Pakistan during challenging times and urged the board to reconsider its stance. The letter also highlighted significant financial, logistical and reputational consequences for the co-hosts if the game does not go ahead as planned.
SLC had cautioned that non-participation in a marquee fixture of this scale would have far-reaching consequences, exposing the board to major financial losses while also impacting tourism inflows and the broader economy. The SLC also invoked Sri Lanka’s tours of Pakistan despite grave security threats, including the 2009 convoy attack, when gunmen opened fire on the team bus en route to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match, leaving six Sri Lankan players wounded.
The incident led to international teams staying away from Pakistan for nearly a decade. That streak was broken when Sri Lanka became the first to play a Test match in Pakistan after a 10-year gap (in 2019).
TimesofIndia.com reported on Sunday that the ICC and the PCB are closing in on a decision regarding the February 15 T20 World Cup fixture between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
The ICC delegation, represented by deputy chair Imran Khwaja and Mubashir Usmani, general secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), was joined by BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul in the meeting with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
This came after the PCB raised the Force Majeure clause, citing a government decision not to take part in the India clash after Scotland replaced Bangladesh in Group C.
The row began when Bangladesh, citing security concerns after Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the Indian Premier League by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the directive of the BCCI, refused to travel to India. Bangladesh was then replaced by Scotland. Pakistan later declared it would boycott the India fixture in solidarity with Bangladesh, prompting urgent backchannel talks.
Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers. Pratyush Raj is a cricket journalist with TOI Sports, specializin...
Read MorePratyush Raj is a cricket journalist with TOI Sports, specializing in all things cricket, both on and off the field. He began his career with the Business Standard before following his passion as a sports reporter for the Times of India in Chandigarh. Pratyush has also contributed to the sports coverage of India Today Group and his last stint was with The Indian Express. His love for sports was nurtured during his upbringing in flood-prone Saharsa, a district in North Bihar, where Cricket Samrat was his constant companion.
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