Pakistan dismisses World Cup boycott rumors amid Bangladesh-India row

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clarified that it has no intention of boycotting the 2026 T20 World Cup, despite ongoing speculation following Bangladesh’s threat to withdraw from matches scheduled in India.

Uncertainty persists over Bangladesh's participation as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) faces a Wednesday deadline to confirm its decision. While rumors suggested Pakistan might pull out in solidarity with Dhaka, a source close to the PCB told Gulf News: “Nope, this is not the PCB’s stand.”

The source explained that Pakistan has no grounds for withdrawal, as they are already scheduled to play their matches in Sri Lanka under a pre-existing agreement. “People just float such things to fire up the issue,” the source added.

Citing "security and safety" concerns, the BCB has formally asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move its matches out of India. Despite two high-level meetings in Dhaka, the ICC remains firm, stating that independent assessments show no significant threat to the team.

If Bangladesh refuses to travel by the deadline, the ICC may replace them with Scotland, the highest-ranked non-qualified team.

The diplomatic and cricketing rift intensified earlier this month after the BCCI reportedly instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. This move followed protests in India over alleged minority persecution in Bangladesh.

In response, the BCB banned IPL broadcasts in the country and requested a neutral venue for the World Cup. While the PCB has expressed support for Bangladesh’s security concerns, it will remain in the tournament.

Bangladesh is currently slated to play three matches in Kolkata—against the West Indies (Feb 7), Italy (Feb 9), and England (Feb 14)—before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on Feb 17.