In a stunning development in international cricket, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has called on Pakistan to play their abandoned T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. Coming right after their ouster from the tournament, BCB’s statement thanked PCB, ICC, and stakeholders for their backing. The specific appeal targets the February 15 fixture originally slated for Bangladesh.
Gratitude poured out to PCB chief Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Pakistani supporters, with BCB President Mohammad Aminul Islam praising their solidarity. ‘Our brotherhood will endure,’ he noted post his short Tuesday trip to Pakistan. Islam formally requested Pakistan to host or play the high-stakes India game, aiming to benefit the entire cricket community.
Flashback to the controversy: Bangladesh pulled out after Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL 2026 release sparked security fears for matches in India. BCB sought venue changes to Sri Lanka and a group swap with Ireland, but ICC dismissed both ideas. Scotland filled the vacancy, leaving Bangladesh on the sidelines.
Experts see this as a diplomatic maneuver blending cricket rivalry with regional alliances. Will Pakistan, long-time rivals of India, step up? The request arrives amid ongoing talks, potentially altering tournament narratives and fan expectations across the subcontinent.