The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed support for Bangladesh over their decision not to travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026 in February-March. Notably, the PCB has assured the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that it is willing to raise the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC) if required.
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders after the BCCI asked the franchise to let him go, citing “developments all around”. KKR had signed Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction following a bidding battle. However, the move triggered the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Pakistan Cricket Board Signs Mustafizur Rahman After IPL Snub
Mustafizur Rahman will return to the Pakistan Super League next season. The league confirmed his participation on social media, even though the PSL draft is scheduled for January 21. This will be his first PSL appearance in eight years.
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Mustafizur last played in the PSL in 2018 for Lahore Qalandars, where he featured under the captaincy of Brendon McCullum. He played five matches that season and took four wickets.
His return to the PSL comes at a time when uncertainty surrounds Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. During his time away from the PSL, Mustafizur became a regular in the Indian Premier League.
The left-arm pacer made his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their title-winning season and later played for Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Delhi Capitals (DC).
Pakistan Back Bangladesh Over World Cup Travel Stance
Pakistan have backed Bangladesh over its stance on not travelling to India for the upcoming World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on February 7.
According to journalist Saleem Khaliq, the Pakistan Cricket Board has assured Bangladesh of full support and is ready to raise the issue with the International Cricket Council if required, standing by Bangladesh during the ongoing dispute.
“In a time of crisis, Pakistan extended its support to Bangladesh, assuring full backing for its decision not to travel to India for the upcoming World Cup and even offered to take up the matter with the ICC if necessary,” Saleem Khaliq wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
🚨 PAKISTAN STANDS WITH BANGLADESH 🚨
– PCB has assured full support to Bangladesh for their decision not to travel to India for the WC.
– Pakistan will also speak to the ICC if needed to back Bangladesh. (Saleem Khaliq) pic.twitter.com/n8toRKlslx
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) January 7, 2026
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule Under Review
Bangladesh are scheduled to play all four of their Group C matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. They will play their first three games in Kolkata against the West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9), and England (February 14). The final group match is against Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has raised concerns about sending the team to India due to strained diplomatic relations. As a result, the board has asked the International Cricket Council to move Bangladesh’s group-stage matches to Sri Lanka.
The ICC is now reviewing possible solutions. These include shifting the matches to Sri Lanka or asking a BCB delegation to visit India to assess security arrangements. If no agreement is reached, there is also a small chance that Bangladesh could withdraw from the tournament.
Also read: ICC KICKS Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup 2026, replacement identified