According to Pakistani outlet Geo Super, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has termed Bangladesh’s security worries as justified and has even paused its own World Cup preparations in solidarity.
PCB officials have warned that if the ICC fails to find a “respectable solution” to the issue, Pakistan may also reconsider its participation and has asked team management to prepare contingency plans.
PCB sources added that no host nation should pressure or intimidate another country under the guise of hosting rights.
Earlier, on January 11, Pakistan had also expressed readiness to host Bangladesh’s matches if Sri Lanka’s venues were unavailable, claiming its grounds are fully prepared.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s proposal to swap groups with Ireland to play matches in Sri Lanka has hit a dead end.
Cricket Ireland has refused to change groups, a stance later confirmed officially. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul has personally contacted Irish officials, but no breakthrough has been reported. Any group change would also require Sri Lanka’s approval.
Bangladesh are currently placed in Group C, with all matches scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai, while Group B teams play in Colombo and Kandy.
The ICC has given the BCB a January 21 deadline to make a final decision, making it clear that neither the schedule nor venues will be changed. If Bangladesh ultimately refuses to travel to India, the ICC is expected to replace them with Scotland based on rankings.
