Bangladesh is not being treated fairly

The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has criticised what he describes as unfair treatment of Bangladesh in relation to the upcoming T20 World Cup. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Saturday, Naqvi voiced his support for Bangladesh’s request to change their tournament venue and urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to treat all member nations equitably.

“In the past, countries like India and Pakistan have received certain concessions. Bangladesh deserves the same,” Naqvi said. “It is unjust to apply a double standard. One country can make decisions as it wishes, while another is subjected to entirely different treatment.”

Naqvi also hinted at potential consequences for Pakistan’s participation, stating that if Bangladesh is barred from the tournament, the PCB will discuss with the government the possibility of boycotting the event.

The controversy follows a confirmation from ICC Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta, who informed the ICC Board through a letter that Bangladesh would not participate in the T20 World Cup. The letter cited that the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) stance was not aligned with ICC policy. Consequently, the ICC had no alternative but to invite another nation to replace Bangladesh.

After the ICC’s decision, Bangladesh was reportedly given a 24-hour window to reconsider its refusal to play in India. Following this, Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul held a meeting with national players on 23 January, where the government and cricket authorities affirmed their decision to stand firm.

As a result, Scotland will take Bangladesh’s place in Group C of the tournament. The Scottish team’s schedule is as follows:

Scotland will commence their T20 World Cup campaign in Kolkata against the West Indies on 7 February, before facing Italy and England at the same venue. Their final group match will take place against Nepal in Mumbai on 17 February.

Naqvi’s comments mark the first time a PCB chairman has publicly voiced support for Bangladesh in this matter, highlighting tensions within international cricket regarding perceived inconsistencies in ICC decision-making.