Pakistan formally backs Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India

Pakistan has formally supported Bangladesh’s decision not to play its T20 World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns linked to the current political climate.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its board members backing the position of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Bangladesh has maintained that the political situation in India poses safety risks for its players and officials.

The intervention comes just one day before a scheduled ICC board meeting on Wednesday, where a final decision on Bangladesh’s participation is expected. The dispute has escalated into a diplomatic issue, raising concerns about the tournament’s stability less than three weeks before it is set to begin.

The ICC has called an urgent meeting to address the impasse but has repeatedly told the BCB that the tournament schedule will not be changed. In particular, the ICC has rejected requests to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to co-host Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, backed by its government, has so far refused to travel to India.

While the timing of the PCB’s letter has drawn attention, sources familiar with the matter say it is unlikely to shift the ICC’s position. The global governing body has remained firm on maintaining the original itinerary.

Speculation about Pakistan’s role has circulated for several days, including unverified claims that the PCB might reconsider its own participation depending on how the Bangladesh issue is resolved. The PCB has not made any public statements, but the letter confirms its alignment with Bangladesh.

The dispute traces back to a recent decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to instruct IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, citing deteriorating political relations. That move reportedly prompted the Bangladesh government to bar its national team from touring India.