The drama surrounding the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has taken yet another unexpected turn, with Bangladesh's potential return to the tournament no longer
completely ruled out.
Although the International Cricket Council (ICC) recently removed Bangladesh from the competition after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declined to travel to India over security concerns, a rare scenario could still open the door for their comeback.
The possibility hinges on Pakistan's next move. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has openly backed Bangladesh's demand for a venue shift, is reportedly weighing the option of withdrawing from the tournament as a mark of protest. According to a Hindustan Times report, such a decision could prompt the ICC to offer Bangladesh a late re-entry into the competition.
"If Pakistan decide to withdraw, Bangladesh would be given the opportunity 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," a source was quoted as saying as per The Hindustan Times.
Pakistan's stance has added a layer of uncertainty to the tournament's build-up. While the PCB has already announced its squad for the World Cup, it has yet to confirm whether the team will travel for the event. PCB chairman and Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has been vocal in criticising Bangladesh's removal, describing the ICC's decision as an 'injustice' and stating that the board would consult Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before finalising its position.
Naqvi also indicated that a definitive decision could be taken soon, narrowing the window for any last-minute changes. The report suggests that a potential withdrawal by Pakistan would not only disrupt the tournament's structure but also violate a prior understanding between the PCB, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ICC.
"It was on PCB's demand that an understanding of the hybrid model was worked out between the Indian and Pakistani boards. By not playing, they would be violating a deal they themselves had worked for," the source added.
Adding further intrigue, Pakistani media outlets have claimed that the PCB may still participate in the tournament while skipping the high-profile February 15 clash against India in Colombo.
With the World Cup opener fast approaching, the situation remains fluid, and the final chapter of this unfolding saga is yet to be written.
