Lahore, January 18, 2026: Pakistan is reviewing its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India amid growing concerns involving the Bangladesh cricket team, government sources confirmed on Sunday.
The Bangladesh government has reportedly sought Pakistan’s support over security issues. Insiders indicated that if these concerns are not adequately addressed, it could affect tournament preparations. Pakistan has stressed that no nation should face pressure or threats regarding hosting responsibilities and has assured its neighbours of full support.
On January 11, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed willingness to host Bangladesh’s matches after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided against travelling to India over security concerns. PCB sources confirmed that Pakistan has formally communicated its readiness to stage Bangladesh’s fixtures should venues in Sri Lanka be unavailable. They highlighted that all Pakistani venues are fully prepared to host World Cup matches, citing the country’s successful organization of major ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier.
Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland (CI) clarified that the ICC will not move Ireland’s group-stage matches from Sri Lanka, dismissing reports of a possible group swap with Bangladesh. “We’ve received definitive assurances that we won’t move from the original schedule. We’re definitely playing the group stage in Sri Lanka,” a CI official confirmed.
Under the current schedule, Bangladesh are in Group B with West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy, playing their matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Ireland are in Group C alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman, with all fixtures in Sri Lanka.
The BCB reportedly proposed a group swap to the ICC in Dhaka on Saturday to minimise logistical challenges, though the proposal received little support. The ICC delegation included Gaurav Saxena, General Manager of Events and Corporate Communications, and Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager of the Integrity Unit, while the BCB delegation was led by president Md Aminul Islam.
According to the schedule, Bangladesh will play their first three group matches in Kolkata — against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 — before concluding against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
