LAHORE: Pakistan has demanded apology and a compensation from the International Cricket Council for removing Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally received these demands from Pakistan, calling for an official apology to Bangladeshi fans and financial compensation for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following Bangladesh’s removal from the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The dispute began after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament in late January 2026, citing safety concerns over playing matches in India. Soon after, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in Group C, a move that sparked backlash from several cricketing circles.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has now sent a formal request to the ICC, describing the replacement as an “unfair decision.” Moreover, Pakistan has urged the ICC to share a portion of the tournament revenue with the BCB to offset Bangladesh’s projected loss of 240 crore.
Boycott Threat Raises Pressure
In a strong show of solidarity, the Pakistan government reportedly directed the national team to boycott its high-profile match against India, scheduled for February 15, 2026, in Colombo.
Meanwhile, BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul traveled to Lahore on February 9, 2026, to hold emergency discussions with PCB representatives and ICC officials. The meetings aimed to break the deadlock and prevent further escalation during the tournament.
Earlier, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift matches to Sri Lanka, stating that an independent security assessment found no credible threat. However, the council later warned that selective participation by teams such as Pakistan could damage the competition’s spirit.
The 2026 T20 World Cup began on February 7 and continues across venues in India and Sri Lanka.
The exit of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026 and Pakistan’s boycott of match with India has escalated tension, shocking cricket fans the world over.
