The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed support over Bangladesh’s 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 ready to take up the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC) if necessary.
Bangladesh fast bowler 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 in the IPL auction after a bidding war. However, the move infuriated the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
After failure in IPL, Pakistan Cricket Board signs contract with Mustafizur Rahman
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 their first PSL appearance in eight years.
Mustafizur last played in the PSL in 2018 for Lahore Qalandars, where he played 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 there is uncertainty over 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 fast bowler made his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the title-winning season and later played for Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC).
Pakistan supports Bangladesh on World Cup travel stance
Pakistan has supported Bangladesh’s stance of not traveling to India for the upcoming World Cup starting on February 7.
According to journalist Salim Khaliq, the Pakistan Cricket Board has assured full support to Bangladesh and is ready to take up the issue if needed, standing with Bangladesh during the current dispute with the International Cricket Council.
,At the time of crisis, Pakistan extended its support to Bangladesh, assuring full support of its decision not to travel to India for the upcoming World Cup and also offered to take up the matter with the ICC if needed., Salim Khaliq wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Pakistan stands with Bangladesh
– PCB has assured full support to Bangladesh on its decision of not coming to India for the World Cup.
– If needed, Pakistan will also talk to ICC to support Bangladesh. (Salim Khaliq) pic.twitter.com/n8toRKlslx
– Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) 7 January 2026
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule under review
Bangladesh has to play all its four Group C matches in T20 World Cup 2026 in India. They will play their first three matches in Kolkata against West Indies (7 February), Italy (9 February) and England (14 February). The final group match is against Nepal on 17 February in Mumbai.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has expressed concern over sending the team to India due to strained diplomatic relations. As a result, the board has asked the International Cricket Council to shift 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 the BCB delegation to visit India to assess the security arrangements. If no agreement is reached, there is also a slight possibility that Bangladesh may withdraw from the tournament.
Also read: ICC drops Bangladesh from T20 World Cup 2026, replacement identified
