India vs Pakistan (AP photo) NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday asked Pakistan to honor its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India, stressing that playing the match would benefit the wider cricketing ecosystem. “Following my brief visit to Pakistan yesterday and in view of the forthcoming outcome of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play an ICC T20 World Cup match against India on February 15 for the benefit of the entire cricketing ecosystem,” Islam said in a statement.
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In a statement issued in Dhaka, the BCB praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi for showing “exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity” during talks aimed at breaking the deadlock.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!
No sanction against BCB
The ICC, PCB and BCB have reached a constructive understanding following Bangladesh’s absence from the 2026 T20 World Cup, cricket’s governing body said in a statement.The ICC reaffirmed Bangladesh’s status as a valued full member, confirmed that no financial or sporting sanctions would be imposed on the BCB and assured continued support to protect the growth of cricket in the country. Bangladesh will also host an ICC event from 2028 to 2031, underscoring the ICC’s long-term commitment to the Bangladeshi cricket ecosystem.“Bangladesh’s non-participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not change the ICC’s ongoing commitment to Bangladesh as a premier cricket nation,” said ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta.“Our focus remains on working closely with key stakeholders, including the BCB, to ensure the sustainable growth of the sport in the country and enhance future opportunities for its players and fans.“Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem that deserves long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration and is not defined by short-term disruptions.
PCB under pressure
The pressure on DPS is mounting from all corners. A few days ago, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) also urged her to reconsider her decision to boycott the India vs Pakistan match. In a two-page letter written by the SLC, the PCB recalled Sri Lanka’s past support to Pakistan in challenging times and urged the board to reconsider its stance. The letter also highlighted the significant financial, logistical and reputational consequences for the co-hosts if the game does not go ahead as planned.SLC warned that not participating in an exhibition stand of this scale would have far-reaching consequences, exposing the board to major financial losses as well as affecting tourism inflows and the wider economy. The SLC also appealed for Sri Lanka to travel to Pakistan despite serious security threats, including a convoy attack in 2009 when gunmen opened fire on the team bus en route to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match, injuring six Sri Lankan players.The incident led to international teams staying out of Pakistan for almost a decade. This streak was broken when Sri Lanka became the first to play a Test match in Pakistan after a gap of 10 years (in 2019). TimesofIndia.com reported on Sunday that the ICC and PCB are close to a decision regarding the February 15 T20 World Cup match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.The ICC delegation, represented by Vice Chairman Imran Khwaja and Mubashir Usmani, Secretary General of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), was joined by BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul in a meeting with PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi.
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This comes after the PCB raised the force majeure clause citing the government’s decision not to take part in the clash with India after Scotland replaced Bangladesh in Group C.The row began when Bangladesh refused to travel to India, citing security concerns after Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on BCCI’s instructions. Bangladesh were then replaced by Scotland. Pakistan later announced that they would boycott the match in India in solidarity with Bangladesh, prompting urgent backchannel negotiations.
