Amid widespread speculation and talk of a possible boycott in support of Bangladesh, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put an end to the uncertainty by unveiling a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has described Bangladesh’s absence from next month’s T20 World Cup as a “sad moment” for cricket, urging authorities to focus on unity rather than division.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi and Australian all-rounder Jason Gillespie have voiced criticism of the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing it of taking an inconsistent stance on security-related matters, especially in relation to Bangladesh’s exclusion from an ICC event.
Pakistan have reiterated their support for Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) now awaiting guidance from the country’s government on whether they will also withdraw from the tournament.
The ICC has confirmed that Scotland will replace Bangladesh at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament.
Bangladesh Under-19 secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the United States to confirm their place in the Super Six stage of the Under-19 World Cup, after a disciplined bowling effort restricted the USA to under 200.
Pakistan have named a 16-player squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, set to begin on January 29.
India hopes next month's T20 World Cup will bolster its credentials as a global sports host -- and the country's Olympic ambitions -- but preparations have been rocked by a diplomatic row with Bangladesh and accusations of political interference.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has said Pakistan should also boycott the T20 World Cup if Bangladesh do not participate in the tournament, warning that such a move would throw the event into serious uncertainty.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul has confirmed that the national team is fully prepared for the T20 World Cup but prefers to play in Sri Lanka rather than India.
Bangladesh will not participate in the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin on February 7 in India.
While the final of the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set to be played on Friday, discussions surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup have taken centre stage, eclipsing the tournament’s climax.