The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to confirm its participation in next month’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) kept the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on standby for the event. The PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi, claimed that he met the PM Shahbaz Sharif and would take the final call on either January 30 or February 02.

Pakistan is unlikely to boycott the entire tournament, with the knowledge that the ICC may then replace them with Bangladesh. But the PCB has also reportedly thought of forfeiting the mouth-watering clash against India on February 15 at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Meanwhile, Scotland has already replaced Bangladesh officially in the competition.

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“If Pakistan decides to withdraw, Bangladesh would be allowed to replace them in Group A and play all their matches in Sri Lanka as per BCB’s original request. This arrangement would pose limited logistical challenges.” The reports were added as per the officials.

ICC keeps Bangladesh as standby for T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan is scheduled to open its campaign against the Netherlands on February 07 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo before locking horns with the United States of America at the same ground on February 07. Post their third group-stage encounter against India, they will travel back to the Sinhalese Club on February 18 against Namibia.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, wrote two letters to the ICC in a request to relocate their venues due to security concerns. They were expected to play their group-stage clash against West Indies, England, and Italy at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata before making a trip to Wankhede Stadium against Nepal.

If Bangladesh goes on to replace Pakistan, then the former’s issue will be resolved. They can play all of their games in Sri Lanka, which was their request at the primary stage of the entire discussion. Subsequently, both Pakistan and Bangladesh have announced their respective 15-member squad for the world event.