Pakistan May Rethink World Cup If Bangladesh Withdraws

The T20 World Cup 2026 is now just weeks away, with the tournament scheduled to commence on 7 February. India is set to host the marquee event. However, emerging security concerns and regional tensions have cast a shadow over the participation of both Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Due to ongoing border-related issues, Pakistan has already announced that its team will not travel to India for the competition. Instead, Pakistan’s matches will be held in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, according to the official schedule, was also expected to play its group matches on Indian soil.

Concerns escalated after Indian authorities withdrew star Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL due to security fears. Rahman had been sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for a record 92 million INR, but the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) decided that adequate security could not be guaranteed. Following this, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC), raising concerns about the safety of not only players but also team management, media personnel, and supporters during the World Cup if security arrangements in India remained uncertain. The BCB made it clear that the team would not travel to India unless these concerns were properly addressed.

In response, ICC representatives visited Dhaka to discuss potential solutions with Bangladesh’s sports advisors and cricket officials. However, the BCB has reiterated its position, citing safety risks as a non-negotiable concern.

The situation has now drawn the attention of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Reports from Pakistani outlets Geo Super and TelecomAsia.net suggest that Islamabad considers Bangladesh’s security concerns valid. If the issues are not resolved, Pakistan may reconsider its own participation in the T20 World Cup. Pakistani authorities are also reportedly monitoring the situation to ensure that India does not exert pressure on Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s government has liaised with Pakistani officials to seek support, which has reportedly been forthcoming. Islamabad has affirmed that the reasons behind Bangladesh’s reluctance are legitimate and that the country has their full backing. Should security challenges persist, Pakistan may revise its own participation plans.

The following table summarises the current security and participation concerns:

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the ICC and tournament organisers face mounting pressure to resolve these issues swiftly. Both Bangladesh and Pakistan’s participation remains uncertain, highlighting the delicate balance between sporting ambition and security in the region.