BCB Urges Pakistan to Play India Match for Good of Cricket in T20 World Cup

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has asked Pakistan to stop planning a boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India. They said this would be better for cricket as a whole.

Bangladesh were removed from this year’s T20 World Cup after they refused to travel to India because of political issues and security worries. After that, Scotland were added to the tournament as a last-minute replacement. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi warned last month that their national side could also pull out completely from the tournament, before the Pakistan government directed the team to play but boycott their February 15 match against India.

BCB urges Pakistan to play India match for the good of cricket

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the decision was made to "support" Bangladesh, although meetings have taken place between the International Cricket Council (ICC), BCB and PCB over the weekend to try and find a resolution.

BCB President Md Aminul Islam said: "We are deeply moved by Pakistan's efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish.

"Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket eco system," he added.

Pakistan will forfeit the points from their group stage match against India, should it not go ahead. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav ​has said his team will travel to Colombo for Sunday's match, despite the current plan to boycott it.

ICC Reaffirms Long-Term Support for Bangladesh Cricket Despite T20 World Cup Absence

The ICC said they will not give any sports, money, or administrative punishment to Bangladesh for refusing to play in India.

They also announced that Bangladesh will host an ICC tournament before the 50-over World Cup in 2031, which will be jointly hosted by India and Bangladesh.

ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said: "Bangladesh's absence from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC's enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation.

"Our focus continues to be on working closely with key stakeholders including BCB to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened.

"Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration, and is not defined by short-term disruptions."

In an ICC media release, they said they had open, positive, and friendly talks with the Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket boards. They also said they will continue discussions and work together in the best interest of cricket.

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ICC Takes Neutral Stand as Bangladesh Dropped, Pakistan Boycott Decision Pending The ICC has announced new rules because of the ongoing issues involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh during the T20 World Cup 2026.

by Dwijesh February 10, 2026