PCB interested to host Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches: reports
A report by Pakistani news outlet Geo News has claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed interest in hosting Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had earlier stated that it would not send the national team to India for the T20 World Cup due to safety and security concerns and formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s matches away from India.
The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
Relations between Bangladesh and India have recently become strained, a situation further aggravated by a World Cup flashpoint that emerged following the removal of Bangladesh star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
In the aftermath of the controversy, Bangladesh’s interim government suspended the broadcast of the IPL in the country.
Amid this standoff, the PCB has seemingly stepped in and offered its facilities as a possible solution, according to the Geo News report.
The report cited PCB sources as saying that Pakistan’s venues are “ready and fully equipped” and could be offered as an alternative if Sri Lankan venues are unavailable. The sources added that Pakistan has successfully hosted major international events in recent years, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifiers 2025.
PCB sources further claimed that Pakistan could easily accommodate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures, adding that all designated venues in the country are prepared to host matches.
Bangladesh are currently scheduled to play all their T20 World Cup matches in India, with the first three games slated to be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the home ground of the Kolkata Knight Riders.
The BCB has since sent a detailed letter to the ICC outlining its security concerns and is now awaiting a response. The ICC’s decision could ultimately determine whether Bangladesh take part in the World Cup.
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