Why is Pakistan backing Bangladesh in its T20 World Cup row with India?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 7 min read 100% complete by Abid HussainJanuary 27, 2026 at 07:44 PM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

Pakistan is considering boycotting the T20 World Cup after Bangladesh was controversially expelled from the tournament by the ICC due to a dispute over relocating their matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed solidarity with Bangladesh, accusing the ICC of double standards, and has delayed a final decision on its participation until next week. All of Pakistan's matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka due to strained relations with India. The controversy stems from Bangladesh's request to move its games out of India following the removal of a Bangladeshi player from the Indian Premier League. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mustafizur Rahman 30% Scotland 35% Shehbaz Sharif 40% Sri Lanka ×350% Mohsin Naqvi ×250% Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ×260% India ×570% International Cricket Council (ICC) ×375% Pakistan ×780% T20 World Cup ×585% Bangladesh ×890%

Keywords

t20 world cup 100% bangladesh 90% pakistan 90% india 80% icc 80% cricket 70% tournament ouster 60% political tensions 60% fixtures relocation 50% double standards 40%