While the first match of the day in the Bangladesh Premier League was underway, the President’s Box at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur appeared largely empty. Among the few present were national team head coach Phil Simmons and assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, seated side by side on a sofa, both watching the Rangpur Riders vs Noakhali Express match with full attention.

With only 19 days remaining before the T20 World Cup begins on 7 February, uncertainty continues to surround Bangladesh’s participation. Under the original schedule, the team was supposed to travel to India on 25 January. Although visa application forms for India have been filled out, they have not yet been submitted. At the same time, preparations are also in place should the team be required to play in Sri Lanka instead.

Despite these preparations, Bangladesh’s World Cup plans remain unsettled. At this moment, it is not even confirmed whether the team will participate in the tournament at all. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has informed team management that clarity should come within the next couple of days. According to a report by Cricinfo, a final decision is expected by 21 January.

Bangladesh firm on not playing in India despite ICC request

In a recent meeting with ICC representatives, the BCB once again reiterated its firm stance that Bangladesh will not send its team to India. Meanwhile, Pakistani media reported that Pakistan has expressed support for Bangladesh’s position. Reports suggest Pakistan has indicated it may reconsider its own participation in the World Cup if Bangladesh’s demands are not met.

According to Geo News, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured full backing to Bangladesh’s refusal to play matches in India. The report also claims that the Bangladesh government has communicated with the Pakistani government regarding the issue, though neither the BCB nor the Bangladeshi authorities have officially commented.

These developments emerged after the ICC showed little interest in Bangladesh’s proposal to swap groups with Ireland so that Bangladesh could play all its matches in Sri Lanka. Under that proposal, Bangladesh would move from Group C to Group B, while Ireland would move in the opposite direction—allowing Bangladesh to avoid playing in India altogether.

Citing Pakistani government sources, Geo News reported that Pakistan would also reconsider its World Cup participation if Bangladesh’s matches were not relocated. Pakistan reportedly views Bangladesh’s concerns as reasonable and deserving of consideration. Pakistani media have further claimed that the PCB had earlier warned of taking a surprising step if Bangladesh’s request was ignored.

Pakistan’s stance raises stakes—but questions remain

Since August 2024, the PCB has increasingly emerged as a close ally of the BCB in international cricket matters. However, whether Pakistan will maintain this hard-line position remains uncertain. Withdrawing from the World Cup would mean forfeiting a significant share of ICC revenue—something that could weigh heavily on PCB decision-making.

Still, a Pakistani source claims the PCB has already conveyed its position to the ICC. Many observers believe Pakistan’s stance is deeply rooted in its long-standing political and cricketing rivalry with India. Tensions between the two boards have been evident for years and peaked during the last T20 Asia Cup, when Indian players refused to accept the trophy from ACC and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. In response, Naqvi has reportedly not yet handed the trophy over to India, with it remaining locked at the ACC office in Dubai.

By leveraging the Bangladesh–India standoff, Pakistan may be attempting to intensify pressure on India. For the BCB, Pakistan’s support currently represents the final hope of avoiding participation in India. If both Bangladesh and Pakistan were to withdraw, the financial impact on the World Cup would be substantial—something the ICC and the BCCI may be unwilling to accept.

ICC unmoved; Bangladesh’s exit a real possibility

Despite Bangladesh’s proposals and Pakistan’s pressure, the ICC appears unwilling to change course. According to Cricbuzz, the ICC has already assured Ireland that there will be no group reshuffling. Instead, Scotland could be brought in as a replacement should Bangladesh withdraw.

During discussions, ICC officials offered Bangladesh assurances of top-level security in Kolkata and Mumbai and promised expedited visa processing for Bangladeshi fans. However, the BCB reiterated its long-standing concern: while players may be protected, there is no realistic way to guarantee the safety of traveling supporters and journalists.

With Bangladesh refusing to play in India and the ICC rejecting alternative arrangements, the possibility is growing that the 2026 T20 World Cup may proceed without Bangladesh—unless Pakistan’s pressure ultimately forces a change.