Pakistan dismisses World Cup pull out talk amid Bangladesh-ICC dispute

Pakistan have firmly denied reports suggesting they were considering suspending preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup or withdrawing from the tournament in support of Bangladesh, amid the latter’s ongoing disagreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Media speculation had claimed that Pakistan might boycott the event if Bangladesh chose to pull out over concerns about playing their group-stage matches in India. However, sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have categorically rejected this narrative, stressing that no such position has been taken by the board.

A PCB insider clarified that Pakistan have no reason to withdraw, as all of their World Cup matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka under a pre-tournament arrangement finalised in early 2025. This agreement came after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. “This is not the PCB’s stance at all,” the source said, adding that such rumours are often floated to unnecessarily escalate the situation.

The source further noted that since Pakistan are not required to play in India, the ICC would see no justification for any protest withdrawal. “People keep throwing these ideas around just to stir controversy,” the official remarked.

The speculation arose after reports from Pakistan-based outlet Geo News claimed that Bangladesh had approached Pakistan for diplomatic and cricketing backing in their dispute with the ICC. The conflict reportedly began when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to exclude Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, a move that angered the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

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In response, the BCB banned the broadcast of the Indian Premier League in Bangladesh and formally requested the ICC to relocate their T20 World Cup group matches from India, citing security concerns for players and officials. Bangladesh are placed in Group B and are scheduled to play in Mumbai and Kolkata.

The ICC, however, turned down the request after reportedly determining that security risks at Indian venues were minimal. Bangladesh then proposed a group reshuffle with Ireland, who are set to play all their league matches in Sri Lanka, but the ICC assured Ireland that no such change would be made.

The ICC has since asked the BCB to clarify its final position by January 21. If Bangladesh decide to withdraw from the tournament, Scotland - the highest-ranked team outside the qualification list will take their place in Group B.