Following Bangladesh’s decision to skip T20 World Cup matches in India, Pakistan has expressed readiness to host the fixtures involving the Bangladeshi team on Sunday. Pakistan cited its fully prepared venues and willingness to step in if Sri Lanka cannot accommodate the matches on short notice.
Bangladesh’s refusal comes after cricketer Mustafizur Rahman was released by his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Kolkata Knight Riders, reportedly following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The incident heightened tensions between the countries and led the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to reconsider playing in India.
The Bangladeshi team was originally scheduled to play three T20 World Cup matches in Kolkata next month, with the tournament running from February 7 to March 8 and co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. In response to the situation, the BCB held an emergency meeting and formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its matches to Sri Lanka.
“The Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” the BCB said in a statement, citing safety and security concerns for players and following guidance from the Bangladeshi government.
The ICC has yet to decide whether to approve Bangladesh’s request or shift the matches to a neutral venue. Pakistan’s offer comes amid this uncertainty, highlighting the country’s readiness to host international cricket at short notice and its fully prepared stadiums. Officials said all necessary arrangements, including security, logistics, and infrastructure, are in place to accommodate the tournament’s matches.
Observers note that the situation underscores the growing geopolitical sensitivities affecting international cricket. Pakistan’s move to step in may help ensure Bangladesh participates fully in the T20 World Cup while avoiding travel to India under current tensions. Fans and cricket boards now await the ICC’s decision on the final venue arrangements for the affected fixtures.
