In a dramatic escalation of tensions surrounding the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ordered its national team to suspend all preparations. The move comes as a show of solidarity with Bangladesh, which has demanded its matches be shifted out of India due to security concerns.
The decision follows Bangladesh’s formal request to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their fixtures from Indian venues. Pakistan, quick to back its neighbor, warned just a day earlier that it might withdraw from the tournament if the demand isn’t met. Now, PCB has put the brakes on training camps, strategy sessions, and other build-up activities.
Sources within the PCB revealed that team management has been instructed to pause operations indefinitely until the issue is resolved. ‘All preparations for the T20 World Cup have been halted,’ a senior official told Telecom Asia Sport. This includes scouting opponents, fitness regimes, and tactical planning.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was involved in high-level discussions between Pakistani and Bangladeshi authorities, emphasized full support for Dhaka’s stance. During Saturday’s talks, Naqvi assured Bangladeshi counterparts that Pakistan stands firmly with them and is prepared to reconsider participation if their concerns aren’t addressed satisfactorily.
The controversy stems from Bangladesh’s unease over playing in India, exacerbated by reports of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) pressuring the Kolkata Knight Riders to terminate their contract with Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman and release him ahead of IPL 2026. Bangladesh has proposed Sri Lanka as an alternative venue and even received an offer from Pakistan to host their games if Sri Lankan facilities aren’t available.
The ICC is set to deliberate on Bangladesh’s plea in a key meeting, with a final decision expected by January 21. Cricket fans worldwide are watching closely as this standoff threatens to disrupt the marquee event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. For Pakistan, the halt in preparations signals a strong diplomatic play in the complex world of international cricket politics, potentially reshaping alliances ahead of the global showdown.
As the saga unfolds, questions loom over the tournament’s smooth execution and the broader implications for bilateral ties in the sport. Will the ICC yield to the demands, or will this lead to boycotts and reshuffled schedules? The coming days will be crucial.