The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided not to change the schedule of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, despite a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to shift their matches out of India. The decision has reportedly disappointed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which had supported Bangladesh’s stance over security concerns for their players in India.
However, a report claims that Pakistan never considered withdrawing from the tournament even if BCB’s request was rejected.
According to TelecomAsia, the PCB backed Bangladesh on principle, as India’s matches for the 2025 Champions Trophy were moved out of Pakistan to Dubai on similar grounds.
“Pakistan backed Bangladesh’s stance on principles because, on India’s insistence,
their matches were moved out from Pakistan to Dubai, but the same reason by Bangladesh was not accepted, which is disappointing,” the publication quoted sources as saying.
Pakistan, however, is still considering various options. “Pakistan is considering various options, but withdrawal from the event is never an option nor was it considered,” the sources claimed.
Officials also believe there is no valid reason to boycott the event, as Pakistan is already playing at a neutral venue and has no security concerns there.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal said the ICC’s decision was expected.
He also claimed that several ICC decisions appear to favour India and stressed that all member countries should be treated equally.
“Most of the ICC decisions prove they are in favour of India, and this should not happen with member countries except equal treatment,” Kamran told the publication.
“Champions Trophy case was one example where India’s will was accepted because they are a revenue generator for ICC and they also forced Pakistan to host the 2023 Asia Cup on a hybrid model,” he added.
