United News of Bangladesh

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially confirmed that their national cricket team will not take the field against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, stating the decision was made to stand in solidarity with Bangladesh. Addressing cabinet members in Islamabad on Wednesday, Sharif declared that “politics should not exist on the sports field.” This is the first time the government has publicly articulated the specific reason behind the boycott, which was announced via social media last week. “We have taken a very clear position on the T20 World Cup—we will not play the match against India,” Sharif told his cabinet. “We took this decision after much thought. We should fully stand by Bangladesh. I think this is a very appropriate decision.” T20 World Cup: ICC rejects Bangladesh’s safe-venue request, includes Scotland The diplomatic sporting row stems from the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament. The Bangladesh government had refused to send their team to India citing security concerns, following threats from communal groups that led to pacer Mustafizur Rahman being dropped from the IPL on January 3. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested a venue change to Sri Lanka, the ICC rejected the plea, labeling the threat against Mustafizur as “isolated.” Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul later said that neither the ICC nor the Indian government provided necessary security assurances. ICC warns PCB of legal and financial fallout over India match boycott Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has supported Bangladesh throughout the process, criticizing the ICC for “double standards” regarding security protocols. The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7. The India-Pakistan clash was scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The ICC has previously warned the PCB to “reconsider” the boycott, citing potential long-term implications for Pakistan cricket.          

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to convene a high-level emergency board meeting within the next 48 hours to address rising tensions involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), sources told NDTV. Sources indicated to NDTV Profit that the PCB may face severe sanctions, potentially including suspension from the ongoing T20 World Cup. The meeting was prompted by Pakistan’s decision to boycott its upcoming T20 World Cup Group A match against India on February 15, a move that has alarmed global cricket administrators and raised the prospect of unprecedented disciplinary action. Pakistan on Sunday confirmed it would not participate in its high-profile men’s T20 World Cup group league match against India, a decision that could have serious consequences even though the government approved the team’s participation in the remainder of the tournament starting February 7. "The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India," the government said in a social media post. The boycott is linked to a political protest following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the ICC declined its request to move matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns. The ICC has questioned the Pakistani government’s decision and warned that the boycott could result in punitive measures. The PCB had earlier said it would reassess its participation, showing solidarity with Bangladesh. Possible repercussions The India-Pakistan clash is the most anticipated fixture of any ICC event, attracting massive global viewership, sponsorship, and broadcast revenue. The host broadcaster could face losses between Rs 200 crore and Rs 250 crore, as a 10-second commercial slot for the marquee game can cost up to Rs 40 lakh. While a walkover would grant full points to India, the ICC can impose financial penalties on the PCB. For a walkover to be declared, the opposition team must appear on the field for the coin toss. The Indian team will travel to Sri Lanka, and Suryakumar Yadav will step out for the toss. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not appear, the match referee will award a walkover and two points to India. Additional sanctions could include docking of World Test Championship points, restrictions on ICC ranking movement, top member nations refusing to tour Pakistan, and limitations on PCB players’ participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

As the cricketing world awaits the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) final decision on participating in the T20 World Cup, Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and commentator Harsha Bhogle have dismissed the boycott threats as empty posturing, claiming Pakistan lacks the “courage” to actually withdraw. Speaking on a show for a news website, Rahane was blunt in his assessment of the standoff. “I don't think Pakistan can stay away. I don't think they have that courage,” the Indian batter stated, referring to the speculation that Pakistan might pull out in solidarity with Bangladesh. Renowned analyst Harsha Bhogle echoed Rahane’s sentiment, describing the current delay in decision-making as mere “noise.” Bhogle argued that international cricket operates on a different level than local leagues. “This isn't club cricket where you can say, ‘the manager didn't come, so we won't play, take a walkover.’ This is the World Cup,” Bhogle said. Bhogle further remarked that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ICC are unlikely to plead with Pakistan to participate. “Pakistan knows they will play. They are just making noise…,” he said. “If they say they won't play, people will say, 'don't come.' No one is going to go and say, ‘please come, please come.’” T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh The speculation regarding a boycott stems from the ICC's recent decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to tour India due to security concerns. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently stated that a final decision regarding Pakistan's participation—pending consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—will be announced by Friday or next Monday.

The crisis surrounding the 2026 T20 World Cup has escalated further, with reports emerging that Pakistan is seriously considering boycotting its blockbuster group-stage match against arch-rivals India. The move is being weighed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a major protest against the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland. According to sources, the PCB is reviewing various options to register its dissent, including refusing to take the field for the high-stakes encounter scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Insiders suggest the board calculates that forfeiting the match—and the associated two points—would be a manageable sporting loss compared to the massive financial and reputational blow a boycott of the tournament's most lucrative fixture would deal to the ICC. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is scheduled to meet the national squad today, slammed the global body for its handling of the situation. He accused the ICC of “double standards” for stripping Bangladesh of its spot while accommodating India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for other events. “You cannot have double standards, where one country can make whatever decision whenever and do the total opposite for another country,” Naqvi said. Naqvi also took a veiled dig at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), saying, “One country cannot dictate another. And if this dictation is attempted, then Pakistan definitely has its own stance.” The final decision, however, rests with the federal government of Pakistan. Naqvi confirmed that the board will announce its official stance once Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns to the country.  Pakistan is currently scheduled to open its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.  

The diplomatic crisis surrounding the T20 World Cup has intensified just hours before a prospective deadline, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally intervening to support Bangladesh's refusal to play in India. On Tuesday, as ESPNcrinfo reported, the PCB sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its board members, backing the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) stance that the political climate in India poses a security risk. This move comes just a day before the ICC board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to make a final call on Bangladesh's participation in the tournament. The ICC has called an urgent board meeting for Wednesday to resolve the impasse, which threatens to derail the event less than three weeks before it begins. While the timing of the PCB’s email has raised eyebrows, sources suggest it is unlikely to alter the ICC's firm position. Read more: Bangladesh not to accept any illogical ICC conditions under Indian pressure: Sports Adviser The global body has repeatedly conveyed to the BCB that the World Cup schedule will not be changed to move Bangladesh's matches to co-host Sri Lanka. Both sides have remained deadlocked, with the ICC insisting on the original itinerary and the BCB, backed by their government, refusing to travel to India. Speculation regarding Pakistan's involvement has been rife for days, with unverified reports suggesting the PCB might review its own participation contingent on the outcome of the Bangladesh issue. While the PCB has not publicly commented, their email confirms a unified front with Bangladesh. This diplomatic row originated when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, citing worsening political ties—a move that prompted the Bangladesh government to bar the national team from playing in India. Read more: T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh

The ICC T20 World Cup faces fresh uncertainty as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly halted all national team preparations on Monday (January 19, 2026) 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. Read more: Mustafizur Rahman named in Wisden’s 2025 T20 team of the year 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. 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. Read more: Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup deadlock: Ireland rejects group swap, Pakistan sides with BCB 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. 

The diplomatic crisis surrounding the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has escalated to a new level, with Pakistan media reporting that the country may review its own participation in the tournament if Bangladesh's security concerns regarding India remain unresolved. The move follows a formal request for support from the Bangladesh government, prompting Islamabad to warn that failing to address these grievances could impact the wider tournament preparations. Pakistan has taken a firm diplomatic stance, emphasizing that no country should face pressure regarding hosting responsibilities and assuring Bangladesh of “full support”. Read More: BCB rejects ICC’s plea to reconsider India tour to play T20 World Cup The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also formally communicated its interest in hosting Bangladesh's fixtures if venues in Sri Lanka are unavailable, citing its readiness following the successful hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, a logistical solution proposed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to swap groups with Ireland appears to have collapsed. Cricket Ireland dismissed reports of a potential exchange, stating they have received “definitive assurances” from the ICC that they will remain in Sri Lanka for the group stages. A Cricket Ireland official confirmed, “We're definitely playing the group stage in Sri Lanka,” effectively rejecting the proposal the BCB tabled during a meeting with ICC executives in Dhaka on Saturday. Read more: Rajshahi Warriors top table with a tense 3-wicket win over Chattogram This development leaves Bangladesh in a precarious position under the current schedule. They remain in Group B alongside West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy, with three matches scheduled in Kolkata and one in Mumbai starting February 7.//

A heated controversy has erupted following the recent Asia Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) now formally demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. The dispute stems from the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts at the end of the match on September 14, when India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets. The PCB issued a statement alleging that Pycroft violated the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct and should be “immediately removed from the Asia Cup.” This demand follows a formal complaint lodged by the PCB with the ICC. On his official X account, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated, “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.” Bangladesh not playing their brand of cricket, says Mukund The PCB also brought the issue to the attention of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), describing the Indian team's actions as “unsporting” and “against the spirit of the game.” According to the report, Pakistan's team manager, Naveed Cheema, “strongly objected to the behavior of Indian players.” In protest, Pakistan’s captain did not attend the post-match ceremony. India’s Stance India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, defended the team's decision, explaining it was a mark of solidarity and respect for the victims of a recent terror attack. At the post-match presentation, Yadav stated, “We stand with the victims and families of the terror attack and express our solidarity. We want to dedicate today's win to all of our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery.” The attack, occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, reportedly killed 25 Indians. India blamed Pakistan for the attack — which Pakistan denied — and then launched air strikes inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with Pakistan firing missiles back. The retaliatory actions from both sides led to the worst military confrontation between the neighboring countries in decades, resulting in dozens of casualties.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received government approval to proceed with the national team’s five-match T20I series in Pakistan, scheduled to commence later this month. Farque Ahmed, the president of the board, confirmed the development to the media.  This decision follows a period of uncertainty due to recent tensions between India and Pakistan, which had previously led to the postponement of both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). According to BCB president, while the government has given the green light, the board is still awaiting the official letter to finalize the tour. Mustafizur’s INR 6 crore IPL deal not full payout, here's why He said the importance of ensuring the safety and comfort of players and coaching staff before making a definitive decision. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a revised itinerary, with the series set to begin on May 27 in Faisalabad and conclude on June 5 in Lahore. The adjustments were made to accommodate the resumption of the PSL, which is slated to restart on May 17. Despite the government’s approval, some Bangladeshi players have expressed reservations about traveling to Pakistan, citing security concerns. The BCB has said that it will not compel any player to participate and will engage in discussions with the squad to address their apprehensions. Shakib set to return with Lahore Qalandars in PSL

Pakistan has retained six uncapped players in its squad of 17 for Tuesday’s first Test against South Africa in Karachi.