Pakistan have ended rumours that they stopped preparing for the T20 World Cup or were thinking of withdrawing from the tournament. Reports had claimed Pakistan might pull out in support of Bangladesh, which is locked in a dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
However, Pakistan made it clear that this is not true. According to a report by RevSportz, Pakistan will take part in the tournament even if Bangladesh decide to withdraw.
PCB Denies Any Withdrawal Plan
A source close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) strongly rejected the claims. Speaking to RevSportz, the source said, “Nope, this is not the PCB’s stand.”
The source explained that Pakistan have no reason to pull out. Under a pre-tournament agreement finalised in early 2025, Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka. This arrangement came after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
Because of this setup, the PCB sees no justification to withdraw from the World Cup.
“No Grounds” for Pakistan to Pull Out
The PCB source further clarified the situation. “Pakistan don’t have any grounds to do so, because the ICC would point out that Pakistan are already playing their matches in Sri Lanka. People just float such things to fire up the issue,” the source added.
In short, Pakistan believe the matter does not affect them directly. Therefore, they will stick to their schedule.
Bangladesh Seeks Support Amid ICC Standoff
Earlier, Geo News reported that Bangladesh had contacted Pakistan for diplomatic and cricketing support. Bangladesh are currently in conflict with the ICC over their T20 World Cup matches in India.
The issue began after the BCCI asked IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Although officials gave no formal explanation, the move reportedly upset the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
BCB Raises Security Concerns in India
After the incident, Bangladesh banned IPL broadcasts in the country. The BCB then wrote to the ICC and requested a change of venue for their group matches.
Bangladesh are placed in Group B and are scheduled to play in Mumbai and Kolkata. The BCB cited “security and safety” concerns for players, staff and officials.
However, the ICC rejected the request. It reportedly assessed the threat level at Indian venues as “nil to negligible.”
Group Swap Proposal Also Rejected
Following the rejection, the BCB proposed a group swap with Ireland. Ireland are scheduled to play all their league matches in Sri Lanka.
In a press release, the BCB said, “Among other points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed.”
Despite this, the ICC reportedly assured Ireland that no such swap would happen.
ICC Sets Deadline for Bangladesh
The ICC has now given Bangladesh a clear deadline. It has asked the BCB to confirm their participation by January 21. If Bangladesh withdraw, Scotland — the highest-ranked non-qualified team — will replace them in Group B.