Pakistan keen to host Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches

Pakistan has stepped forward with an offer to host Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the national team will not travel to India for the tournament.

According to a report by Pakistan’s Geo News, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed keen interest in hosting Bangladesh’s fixtures, saying its venues are “ready and fully equipped” to stage World Cup matches if required.

The development comes amid growing tensions between Bangladesh and India, triggered by the controversial removal of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). While neither KKR, the IPL authorities nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided an official explanation, the decision sparked strong reactions in Bangladesh and escalated the issue beyond cricket into the diplomatic arena.

Following the incident, the Bangladeshi government banned the broadcast of the IPL in the country, while the BCB sent a formal letter to the ICC stating its firm position that Bangladesh would not play its T20 World Cup matches in India due to security concerns.

In this context, PCB sources told Geo News that Pakistan is prepared to act as an alternative host if Sri Lankan venues are not available. The PCB cited its recent experience of successfully organising major international events, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers, as evidence of its readiness.

Although the PCB has not yet submitted a formal proposal to the ICC, sources said the board is supportive of the BCB’s stance and is willing to accommodate Bangladesh’s matches at short notice if the ICC gives approval.

Meanwhile, ICC Chairman Jay Shah is scheduled to hold a meeting with BCCI officials in Baroda, Gujarat, to discuss the issue. However, it could not be confirmed at the time of filing this report whether the meeting had taken place.

Under the current schedule, Bangladesh are set to play their first three group-stage matches of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata, with their final group match scheduled for Mumbai. The ICC is now expected to take a final decision on whether those fixtures will be shifted to an alternative host nation.