Major Twist! Pakistan to host Bangladesh matches in T20 World Cup 2026 amid Mustafizur row? Reports states that…
The 2026 T20 World Cup is turning into a story nobody saw coming. With less than a month to go before the first ball is bowled, there’s still genuine uncertainty over where one of the tournament’s key teams will actually play its matches. And now, Pakistan has stepped firmly into the picture.
Pakistan Emerges as an Unexpected Backup
With Bangladesh refusing to travel to India and Sri Lanka’s availability looking tight, the Pakistan Cricket Board has quietly offered a solution. According to sources, the PCB has formally informed the ICC that its venues are fully prepared if a last-minute switch is needed.
It’s a move that raises eyebrows. On the surface, it looks like regional cooperation. Beneath that, it’s also a calculated play in the complex politics that often shape subcontinental cricket.
The Breakdown Between BCB and BCCI
The situation didn’t erupt overnight. Tensions escalated after Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the IPL on the BCCI’s directive, a moment that pushed relations between the Bangladeshi and Indian boards to a breaking point.
Bangladesh’s stance has since hardened. The country’s Sports Advisor, Asif Nazrul, has publicly stated that the team will not travel to India if player safety or national dignity is at risk. The BCB has already sent two formal requests to the ICC, asking that their four group matches, three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai be relocated to Sri Lanka.
ICC Caught in the Middle
What’s adding to the uncertainty is the ICC’s lack of a clear response. While the governing body has acknowledged Bangladesh’s concerns, it hasn’t confirmed any venue changes.
From the ICC’s perspective, shifting matches at this stage would be a logistical headache. But forcing a team into a potential boycott or risking walkovers would be even more damaging to the World Cup’s credibility.
Players Stay Focused Amid the Noise
Off the field, the situation remains messy. On it, Bangladesh is acting like business as usual. The Tigers announced their 15-member squad earlier today, with Litton Das named captain and Saif Hassan as vice-captain.
The squad leans heavily on pace, with Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed expected to lead the attack. It’s a clear message: while administrators argue behind closed doors, the players are preparing for the February 7 opener against the West Indies.
One Question Still Hanging
As things stand, no one can say for sure where Bangladesh’s World Cup journey will begin. Will Litton Das walk out for the toss at Eden Gardens? Or will it be Colombo? Or, in a dramatic twist, Lahore?
With time running out, the ICC’s next move could define not just Bangladesh’s campaign but the integrity of the entire tournament.