ICC vs PCB & BCB Row Continues as Bangladesh’s Comeback Depends on Pakistan

The issues between ICC, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are continuing. First, Bangladesh was removed from the T20 World Cup 2026. Now, there is a chance they could be added back, not because ICC changed its mind, but because Pakistan may not take part in the tournament.

Pakistan’s cricket chief Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ask if Pakistan should play after Bangladesh was removed. Everyone expected a decision after the meeting, but Naqvi said the final decision will come on Friday or next Monday. So for now, Pakistan has not confirmed if they will play, even though the team has already been announced.

Pakistan has two options:

• They can skip the whole tournament (which is unlikely), or

• They can boycott the group match against India.

A report says that inside the ICC, people are discussing that if Pakistan pulls out, Bangladesh may be brought back into the tournament. Bangladesh would then be placed in Group A and allowed to play all their matches in Sri Lanka, which is what they wanted earlier.

“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,” an official said to the publication.

If Pakistan pull out of the tournament, Bangladesh would be added to Group A only because a spot becomes empty, not because the ICC changes its earlier decision. Bangladesh were removed earlier as they failed to confirm their participation before the ICC deadline, even after many reminders. The ICC Board also voted 14–2 against shifting Bangladesh’s matches.

Pakistan are still thinking about other options instead of fully withdrawing. One idea is to protest during their February 15 match against India in Colombo, possibly by wearing black armbands. There are also reports that Pakistan might skip (forfeit) the match against India. However, doing so would break the hybrid model agreement that Pakistan had already accepted with the ICC and BCCI. It would also cause Pakistan to lose a lot of money.

×

SA vs WI 1st T20I: Where to Watch South Africa vs West Indies, H2H, Playing 11 & Full Match Details South Africa vs West Indies are set to play first T20I of their three-match series on Tuesday, January 27th at 9:30 PM.

by Dwijesh January 26, 2026