The Pakistan Cricket Board supported Bangladesh’s stance on refusing to participate in the T20 World Cup in India. While BCB cited “security concerns” to play in India, Pakistan generously conveyed to the ICC about hosting Bangladesh’s matches. The apex body is set for a final discussion on Bangladesh’s participation on Wednesday.
However, the cricket board, with the backing of their government, stayed adamant in their objection. They further appealed to shift their matches to Sri Lanka.
As per the reports, a PCB source stated, “The PCB has said in the e-mail that the demand by the Bangladesh board is justified and must be accepted and that if there are any issues moving Bangladesh matches to Sri Lanka, Pakistan is ready to host all their games.”
While PCB is yet to make any public comment on the issue, many sources have claimed that the Bangladesh government sought assistance for Pakistan. The latter is set to have all its matches under a hybrid model in Sri Lanka, with a general agreement with BCCI and ICC till 2027.
The dispute started following a directive from BCCI, referring to “recent developments all around,” which led Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman. Condemning this step, Bangladesh has banned the broadcast of IPL.
ICC delegations and Bangladesh officials organised several meetings. However, neither party reached a consensus. Bangladesh is lined up to play all of their group-stage matches in India. Their campaign will start on 7th February against the West Indies.
