Pakistan offers to host Bangladesh games in T20 World Cup amid BCCI-BCB tensions: Report – Firstpost

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly offered to host Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided against playing their games in India, citing security concerns.

According to a report by Pakistani media outlet Daily Ausaf, the PCB has made its venues, including Karachi and Rawalpindi, available as alternatives if Sri Lankan grounds are not ready or feasible.

The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the BCB over the location of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures. Bangladesh has expressed reluctance to play in India due to security concerns, sending letters to the International Cricket Council (ICC) requesting a change of their match venues.

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The ICC is yet to make a final decision on whether Bangladesh’s matches will be shifted, and discussions are reportedly ongoing between the cricket boards involved. The ICC is unlikely to make any changes to the schedule now.

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What’s the controversy?

The controversy began after the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad for unknown reasons. Many believe the decision was influenced by political pressure amid ongoing India-Bangladesh tensions and attacks on Hindus in the neighbouring country.

As a result, the BCB cancelled Mustafizur’s NOC, meaning he cannot return even if KKR decide to reverse their decision. The Bangladesh government also banned the broadcast of IPL 2026, saying they were hurt and saddened by the BCCI’s action. Soon after, the BCB sent a letter to the ICC to relocate their 2026 T20 World Cup matches.

Pakistan are already playing their T20 World Cup matches at a neutral venue because of tensions with India. Their matches are scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka, and the finals could also be moved if they qualify for the knockout stage.

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After Mustafizur was released by KKR, the PCB immediately stepped in and offered a contract to the Bangladesh pacer in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season.

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