Pakistan is weighing a withdrawal from the Men’s T20 World Cup if Bangladesh’s request to shift its fixtures out of India is not approved, according to Geo News, which reports the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has pledged full support for Bangladesh’s stance.
The development follows a meeting in which Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials reiterated to ICC representatives that they would not send the national team to India. Pakistan, which has previously indicated interest in hosting Bangladesh’s World Cup matches, has now “reconsidered” its own participation should the ICC proceed with Bangladesh’s games on Indian soil, the Pakistani outlet reported.
Geo News also claimed Bangladesh’s government has contacted Pakistan’s government about the issue, though neither the BCB nor Dhaka has publicly commented. Citing government sources, the report says Pakistan views Bangladesh’s demand as reasonable and has hinted it could take a move that would “surprise everyone” if the request is denied.
Relations between the two boards have drawn closer since August 5, 2024, with the PCB increasingly positioning itself as a key ally of the BCB in global cricket forums. The ICC has not yet announced any decision regarding potential venue changes.