PCB Offers to Host Bangladesh Matches Amid India Standoff for WC 2026

The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was supposed to be a celebration of cricket in the subcontinent. Instead, it is fast becoming a geopolitical chessboard. In a stunning development that complicates the narrative for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally thrown its hat in the ring, offering to host Bangladesh’s group-stage matches should they refuse to travel to India.

This move comes hot on the heels of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) firm stance that playing in India compromises their “national dignity” and security, following the unceremonious removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL.

The PCB’s Gambit: “We Are Ready”

While the cricketing world assumed Sri Lanka was the only fallback option for the disgruntled Bangladeshi side, Pakistan has quietly but confidently positioned itself as a viable alternative. Sources close to the PCB have confirmed that the board has conveyed its readiness to the ICC.

Why Pakistan? The PCB’s pitch is built on recent success. Having successfully hosted the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifiers, Pakistan argues that its infrastructure is not just “ready,” but battle-tested for major events.

• Venues: The PCB has reportedly earmarked stadiums in Karachi and Rawalpindi as potential venues. These grounds have recently undergone upgrades for the 2025 Champions Trophy and offer world-class facilities.
• The Narrative Flip: For years, teams refused to tour Pakistan citing security. Now, in a twist of irony, Pakistan is offering itself as a “safe haven” for a team that feels unsafe in India. This is a massive PR victory for the PCB, regardless of whether the matches actually happen there.

The Trigger: The Mustafizur Rahman Saga

To understand why the PCB is even in the conversation, one must look at the root cause. The relationship between the BCB and BCCI—once the strongest in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC)—has fractured.

The catalyst was the Mustafizur Rahman incident. The left-arm pacer was abruptly released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL, a move the Bangladeshi government interpreted as politically motivated rather than performance-based.

• The Fallout: Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, termed the exclusion an “insult,” leading to a ban on IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh.
• The Letter: The BCB has formally written to the ICC, stating that if a contracted player (Mustafizur) is not safe or respected, the entire national team cannot be expected to tour.

The Logistics of a Shift

Moving matches is a logistical nightmare, but not impossible. Bangladesh is placed in Group C, with fixtures originally scheduled at Eden Gardens (Kolkata) and Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai).

The Original Schedule:

• Feb 7: vs West Indies (Kolkata)
• Feb 9: vs Italy (Kolkata)
• Feb 14: vs England (Kolkata)
• Feb 17: vs Nepal (Mumbai)

The PCB Solution: If the ICC agrees to the PCB’s proposal, these matches would essentially be airlifted to Pakistan.

• Pros: Pakistan is geographically close. The time zones are identical to India, meaning broadcast schedules for global TV audiences would remain largely unaffected.
• Cons: Visa logistics for teams like England and Italy to enter Pakistan on short notice could be tricky, although Pakistan has fast-tracked sports visas recently. Furthermore, the BCCI would be loath to see World Cup revenue and hosting rights bleed across the border to their arch-rivals.

The Sri Lanka Factor

It is important to note that the BCB’s first choice for a neutral venue is Sri Lanka, the co-hosts of the tournament. However, questions remain about whether Sri Lanka’s venues can handle the extra load. With their own group matches and preparations underway, adding Bangladesh’s fixtures might stretch their resources. This is where the PCB sees an opening. Their message is clear: If Colombo can’t do it, Lahore and Karachi can.

Diplomatic Tensions & The ACC

This situation highlights the fragility of the Asian Cricket Council. The “Big Three” of Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) are currently at odds.

• India: Under pressure to show it is a safe, welcoming host for all nations.
• Bangladesh: Standing firm on “national pride,” refusing to bow to BCCI hegemony.
• Pakistan: Playing the role of the benevolent neighbor, strengthening ties with Bangladesh while subtly undermining India’s position as the sole power center.

The Squad in the Middle

Amidst the boardroom politics, the Bangladesh squad, led by Litton Das, finds itself in limbo. They have a talented roster including Towhid Hridoy, Rishad Hossain, and the controversial figure himself, Mustafizur Rahman. For these players, the uncertainty is a distraction. Instead of analyzing England’s batting or West Indies’ power hitters, they are waiting to hear which country they will be flying to.

Conclusion: A Test for Jay Shah

All eyes are now on Jay Shah, the ICC Chairman. He is currently in Vadodara, holding emergency talks with the BCCI. He faces a “Trilemma”:

1. Force Bangladesh to play in India: Risks a boycott and devalues the tournament.
2. Move matches to Sri Lanka: A logistical hassle but politically safe.
3. Accept PCB’s offer: A logistical win, but a political defeat for the BCCI.

The PCB has played its card masterfully. By offering to host, they have signaled that Pakistan is open for business and ready to save the day. Whether the ICC accepts the offer is a different matter, but the message has been delivered: The World Cup 2026 is no longer just about cricket; it’s about who controls the narrative in Asia.