Pakistan will reconsider involvement in World Cup if Bangladesh's demands are not met: sources

Sources claim that Pakistan might reconsider their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup without a satisfactory resolution of Bangladesh’s issues. 

What caused the fallout between India and Bangladesh?

For context, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had earlier refused to play their T20 World Cup games in India, one of the co-hosts of the tournament with Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. 

The decision came after the Indian Premier League (IPL) was advised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to lay off the Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rehman from the league. 

Pakistan assure Bangladesh of their support

It is understood that the BCB has reached out to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to request support in this matter. It is worth noting that Pakistan will play all their World Cup games in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model they agreed upon with India last year.

Reports from Geo News suggest that Pakistan, in response, expressed its opposition to any pressure exerted on Bangladesh to play in India despite the security risk.

Earlier, Pakistan even offered to host Bangladesh’s World Cup games in case a shift to Sri Lanka isn’t possible. The PCB is believed to have relayed to the ICC that all its venues are ready to host World Cup games, having already staged the ICC Champions Trophy last year. 

With the T20 World Cup less than 20 days away, the ICC has given BCB a January 21 deadline to make their final decision, as the governing council is unwilling to change the schedule. 

ALSO READ:

Zaman’s ephemeral show of brilliance at the BBL - IPL