Pakistan’s cricket establishment has thrown its weight behind Bangladesh in a brewing crisis over the 2026 T20 World Cup schedule. The PCB has directed its players and coaches to halt all tournament-specific preparations, marking a bold stand against hosting Bangladesh’s matches in India.

This development follows a stern warning from Pakistan that it could pull out of the event if the ICC ignores Bangladesh’s security-driven appeal. Just 24 hours later, the PCB acted decisively, informing the national team setup to scale back and suspend activities.

According to insiders speaking to Telecom Asia, the board has frozen every aspect of the buildup—from net sessions to video analysis. ‘The national team has been told to stand down on World Cup plans,’ the source confirmed, highlighting the seriousness of the directive.

At the heart of the matter is Bangladesh’s request to move its games away from India, citing potential risks. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, fresh from bilateral government-level conversations, reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity. He participated in dialogues where assurances were given that Islamabad would review its involvement should Bangladesh’s issues persist.

Adding fuel to the fire, Bangladesh pointed to BCCI’s alleged interference with Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL prospects, including demands to end his KKR deal. In response, they’ve pushed for Sri Lanka as a neutral ground, with Pakistan offering to step in as a host if needed.

With an ICC verdict slated for January 21 post a crucial Bangladesh-ICC huddle, the clock is ticking. This alliance between Pakistan and Bangladesh underscores shifting dynamics in South Asian cricket, where political undercurrents often influence the pitch.

Observers note that such unified pressure could force the ICC’s hand, preventing logistical nightmares but also setting precedents for future demands. For now, Pakistan’s training blackout serves as a powerful statement, keeping the spotlight on fairness and safety in global cricket.