Pakistan offers to host Bangladesh’s matches in T20 World Cup:PCB reaches out to ICC for hosting games, BCB want matches shifted outside India

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it is ready to host Bangladesh’s matches during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This move comes amid reports that Bangladesh is unwilling to play its matches in India due to security concerns. According to a report by Pakistan’s Geo News, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has informed the ICC that it does not feel comfortable playing World Cup matches in India and has requested Sri Lanka as an alternative venue. Following this development, the PCB told the ICC that if Sri Lanka is unable to host those matches, Pakistan is prepared to provide its stadiums for Bangladesh’s fixtures. So far, neither the PCB nor the ICC has issued any official statement regarding this matter. With Bangladesh seeking a venue change and Pakistan offering to host the matches, the ICC now faces a key decision. However, until an official announcement is made, the situation remains unclear. Why is Bangladesh reluctant to play in India? The controversy reportedly began after the IPL mini auction held on December 16. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore. Soon after the auction, protests started in India against Mustafizur due to reports of the killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. According to the information available, six Hindus have reportedly been killed in Bangladesh in recent incidents. Following the protests, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not give clearance to Mustafizur to participate in the IPL. As a result, KKR released Mustafizur Rahman from their squad on January 3. Bangladesh bans IPL broadcast after Mustafizur Rahman row After Mustafizur’s release from the IPL, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, along with the country’s government, took a strong step by banning the broadcast of the Indian Premier League in Bangladesh. At the same time, Bangladesh also refused to play its T20 World Cup matches in India. The BCB reportedly sent an official email to the ICC, requesting a change in venues for their matches during the tournament. Bangladesh’s group and match schedule for T20 WC Bangladesh has been placed in Group C of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. As per the current schedule, the team is set to play three group matches at Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. February 7 – Bangladesh vs West Indies February 9 – Bangladesh vs Italy February 14 – Bangladesh vs England In addition to these matches, Bangladesh’s final group-stage match is scheduled against Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.