The diplomatic tension over the T20 World Cup has escalated, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally supporting Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India, just hours before a critical ICC deadline.
On Tuesday, ESPNcricinfo reported, the PCB sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its board members endorsing the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) stance that the political situation in India presents a security concern for the team.
The move comes a day ahead of the ICC board meeting on Wednesday, where a final decision on Bangladesh’s participation is expected.
The urgent session aims to resolve the deadlock, which threatens the tournament less than three weeks before it begins.
Although the timing of PCB’s letter has raised eyebrows, sources suggest it is unlikely to influence the ICC’s firm position.
The global governing body has reiterated that the World Cup schedule will not be altered to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to co-host Sri Lanka.
Both sides remain at an impasse, with the ICC insisting on the original itinerary and the BCB, backed by the government, refusing to travel to India.
Speculation about Pakistan’s role had surfaced in recent days, with unverified reports hinting that the PCB might reconsider its own participation depending on how the Bangladesh issue unfolds.
While the PCB has not made any public statements, their correspondence confirms solidarity with Bangladesh.
The controversy traces back to the BCCI instructing the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, citing deteriorating political relations.
The move prompted the Bangladesh government to bar the national team from playing in India.
