PCB Rules Out T20 World Cup Boycott Despite Bangladesh Standoff With ICC: Report

Pakistan have dismissed speculation about a possible boycott of the 2026 T20 World Cup, even if Bangladesh decide to withdraw from the tournament amid their ongoing dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

According to a report by RevSportz, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clarified that it has no intention of pulling out of the global event in solidarity with Bangladesh, which has raised security concerns about playing its group-stage matches in India.

A source close to the PCB categorically denied the rumours, stating that Pakistan’s position has been misunderstood. “Nope, this is not the PCB’s stand,” the source was quoted as saying. The official explained that Pakistan are scheduled to play all their matches in Sri Lanka under a pre-tournament arrangement finalised in early 2025, following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

“Pakistan don’t have any grounds to do so, because the ICC would point out that Pakistan are already playing their matches in Sri Lanka. People just float such things to fire up the issue,” the source added.

Pakistan are placed in Group A of the 2026 T20 World Cup, with all their fixtures slated to take place in Sri Lanka.

The clarification comes after reports from Pakistani outlet Geo News suggested that Bangladesh had approached Pakistan seeking diplomatic and cricketing support in their dispute with the ICC. The issue reportedly began when the BCCI instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, a decision that angered the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

In response, the BCB banned the broadcast of the Indian Premier League in Bangladesh and formally requested the ICC to relocate their T20 World Cup group matches away from India. Drawn in Group B, Bangladesh are scheduled to play in Mumbai and Kolkata. The BCB cited security and safety concerns for players, staff and officials, but the ICC rejected the request after assessing the threat level at Indian venues as “nil to negligible”.

Bangladesh then proposed a group swap with Ireland, who are scheduled to play their league matches in Sri Lanka. The ICC, however, reportedly assured Ireland that no such swap would be allowed.

The ICC has since issued an ultimatum to the BCB, asking them to clarify their stance by January 21. If Bangladesh withdraw from the tournament, Scotland—the highest-ranked non-qualified team—will replace them in Group B.