The ICC T20 World Cup faces fresh uncertainty as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly halted all national team preparations on Monday, with the board instructing team management to develop a ‘contingency plan’ in case Pakistan decides to withdraw from the tournament.
Geo News, a mainstream Pakistani media, reported that the PCB has taken this drastic step in solidarity with Bangladesh, whose participation remains in doubt due to security concerns regarding venues in India.
Officials stated that Pakistan views Bangladesh’s security apprehensions as “reasonable and valid” and warned that they would reconsider their own participation if these grievances are not addressed.
While the PCB has offered to host Bangladesh's matches as an alternative, logistical solutions appear to be narrowing after Cricket Ireland rejected a proposed group swap, confirming they have received “definitive assurances” that they will remain in Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup deadlock: Ireland rejects group swap, Pakistan sides with BCB
The standoff is fast approaching a breaking point, with a final decision on Bangladesh's participation expected by January 21.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) must announce by this deadline whether they will travel to India or forfeit their spot. Should Bangladesh decline to participate, the ICC is expected to nominate Scotland as their replacement based on rankings.
Despite the BCB's insistence on venue changes, the ICC maintains that there is “no specific threat” to the team and the original schedule remains unchanged.