Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup is in question following Bangladesh’s expulsion from the tournament by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Bangladesh’s place in the upcoming global event was confirmed in June 2024, but they were removed on Saturday after prolonged discussions with the ICC regarding relocating their matches from India to Sri Lanka. Scotland, the next highest-ranked T20 team, took Bangladesh’s spot.
The ICC faced accusations of displaying “double standards” for dismissing a full member based on logistical disagreements.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed solidarity with Bangladesh, stating they would not make a conclusive decision regarding their participation until next week. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the situation but did not provide details on whether Pakistan would attend the tournament, starting on February 7.
“We agreed to reach a final decision by Friday or next Monday,” Naqvi, who also serves as the interior minister, posted on X. All of Pakistan’s World Cup fixtures are arranged in Sri Lanka due to tense relations with India.
Understanding the Bangladesh-India T20 World Cup Issue
The controversy involving Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan began when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested to move all their matches from India to Sri Lanka due to safety concerns for players. This request was prompted by the sudden removal of Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team upon a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), citing “developments all around” related to worsening relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.
ICC’s Accusation of ‘Hypocrisy’
Previously in late 2024, the ICC facilitated an agreement allowing India and Pakistan to play their matches at neutral venues when they hosted tournaments. This agreement came after India refused to go to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy over security concerns, holding all matches in the UAE instead. In 2025, Pakistan played their matches in Sri Lanka during the Women’s World Cup cohosted by India and Sri Lanka. The BCB President criticized the ICC for displaying “hypocrisy” by denying similar requests from Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s Involvement in the Situation
Though rooted in sports, the tensions among these nations are entrenched in political history. Following the 1947 partition of British India, Pakistan was formed, and Bangladesh separated from Pakistan less than 25 years later after a significant conflict. As negotiations continued, Naqvi publicly criticized the ICC for what he deemed double standards, defending Bangladesh’s right to participate in the World Cup.
Pakistan’s Reaction and Future Actions
In response to the BCCI’s actions against Mustafizur, the PCB has allowed him to register for the Pakistan Super League. Despite rumors of withdrawing from the T20 World Cup, Naqvi has not confirmed such intentions. There is speculation that Pakistan might forfeit their match against India as a gesture of support for Bangladesh. With a definitive decision on participation expected soon, uncertainty may disrupt Pakistan’s tournament preparations, starting with their opener against the Netherlands.
Implications of Pakistan’s Potential Withdrawal
The ongoing rift between Pakistan and India extends into cricket, with both nations’ histories interwoven with conflict. The political environment has led to an uneasy cricketing situation, particularly following escalating tensions after a military confrontation in May. Experts argue that Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh is a principled stance against ICC’s governance, reflecting the inequities at play. Veteran cricket writers emphasize the need for more equity within the ICC, critiquing other nations’ failures to support Bangladesh’s cause.
