ICC events or Asia Cups are always a source of discussion and criticism. However, the drama that is going on before the 2026 T20 World Cup starts is truly shocking. After excluding Bangladesh from the World Cup, the ICC is now thinking of bringing them back.
Indian media outlet Hindustan Times reported last night that if Pakistan boycotts the World Cup, Bangladesh may be given a chance in their place.
An ICC official said that if Pakistan does not play, Bangladesh can be placed in Group 'A' and all the matches will be held in Sri Lanka. This will reduce the hassle of organizing, which is what the BCB originally wanted.
Earlier, on January 24, the ICC announced a new schedule with Scotland replacing Bangladesh. On the same day, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi claimed that the ICC had done injustice to Bangladesh. Because Bangladesh wanted to move their matches from India to Sri Lanka, but the ICC did not agree to that proposal. Bangladesh was ultimately knocked out of the World Cup due to this decision not being accepted.
On the day Bangladesh was eliminated, Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan can even play in the World Cup if the government orders it. After that, there was a lot of drama throughout the day yesterday. Pakistani media reported that they might just boycott the match against India. Later, posting a picture of a meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Naqvi said that the matter has been discussed and all options are being kept open. A final decision may come next Friday or Monday.
According to ICC rules, if a team withdraws from the World Cup, a team close to their ranking is given a chance. Currently, Pakistan is at number 7 in the T20 rankings and Bangladesh is at number 9. For this reason, if Pakistan withdraws, Bangladesh is more likely to get a chance. Scotland, which was at number 14, got a chance because Bangladesh withdrew earlier.
All in all, if Pakistan withdraws from the World Cup at the last minute, then Bangladesh can return to the World Cup. In that case, the matches are supposed to be held in Sri Lanka. Now it remains to be seen what the ICC ultimately decides.
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