Sports
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup preparations halted amid Bangladesh concerns
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has halted team preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after Pakistan announced its support for Bangladesh’s decision to boycott T20 matches in India, sources told Geo News.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is set to take place from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.
The team management will be briefed later on the future course of action, the official said.
They have also been asked to prepare a contingency plan in the event Pakistan decides not to participate in the tournament.
Pakistan has expressed full support for Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for the World Cup, describing Bangladesh’s security concerns as reasonable and valid.
Officials have added that if the issue concerning Bangladesh’s participation remains unresolved, Pakistan will reconsider its own participation in the event.
The sources confirmed that Pakistan is fully backing its neighbours, describing Bangladesh’s security concerns as “reasonable and valid.”
Yesterday, reports emerged that Pakistan is reviewing its participation in the tournament if Bangladesh’s concerns are not resolved satisfactorily.
Insiders emphasised that no country should face pressure or threats regarding hosting responsibilities.
On January 11, the PCB expressed willingness to host Bangladesh’s fixtures in the T20 World Cup if venues in Sri Lanka are unavailable.
All Pakistani venues are reportedly ready to stage World Cup matches, with officials highlighting the successful hosting of major ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier.
In a related development, Cricket Ireland (CI) clarified that the ICC will not move Ireland’s group-stage matches from Sri Lanka, dismissing reports that Bangladesh might swap groups due to travel concerns.
“We’ve received definitive assurances that we won’t move from the original schedule. We’re definitely playing the group stage in Sri Lanka,” a Cricket Ireland official confirmed.
A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation, particularly regarding travel to India, is expected by January 21, following recent discussions between the ICC and BCB in Dhaka.
During their second meeting in a week, the BCB reiterated its willingness to compete but expressed a preference for playing matches outside India, with Sri Lanka proposed as a possible alternative.
The ICC has maintained that the original schedule will remain unchanged, with Bangladesh placed in Group C.
Their opening match is set against West Indies in Kolkata, followed by two more group games at the same venue, before concluding in Mumbai.
The ICC told the BCB that there is no specific threat to the Bangladesh team.
The ICC is expected to nominate a replacement team, with Scotland currently next in line based on rankings.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled ticketing information for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 Qualifier between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United, set to take place at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
According to the cricket board, E-Tickets for the high-stakes fixture can be purchased from tonight, with prices for all enclosures of the aforementioned venue set at Rs500.
Furthermore, the physical tickets will be available for sale from Tuesday morning and can be bought at the TCS Express Centre at the China Ground situated opposite the venue.
The PCB further advised fans with tickets to reach the stadium “well before the start of play” to avoid any inconvenience. Notably, the coin toss for the Qualifier will take place at 6:30pm as per the Pakistan Standard Time (PST), with the first ball to be bowled at 7pm.
Meanwhile, the ticket details for the remaining two playoffs, set to be played in Lahore, will be announced in due course.
The cricket board announced the ticketing details hours after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif granted approval for public attendance in all three playoffs of the ongoing PSL 11.
Taking to X, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi said he had a meeting with the premier, during which the cricket board secured his approval for allowing fans in the stadia for the upcoming playoffs of the eight-team tournament.
“Just had a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and I’m pleased to share that we have secured his approval for public attendance in all three PSL playoff matches as well,” Naqvi wrote on the microblogging website.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled ticketing information for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 Qualifier between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United, set to take place at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
According to the cricket board, E-Tickets for the high-stakes fixture can be purchased from tonight, with prices for all enclosures of the aforementioned venue set at Rs500.
Furthermore, the physical tickets will be available for sale from Tuesday morning and can be bought at the TCS Express Centre at the China Ground situated opposite the venue.
The PCB further advised fans with tickets to reach the stadium “well before the start of play” to avoid any inconvenience. Notably, the coin toss for the Qualifier will take place at 6:30pm as per the Pakistan Standard Time (PST), with the first ball to be bowled at 7pm.
Meanwhile, the ticket details for the remaining two playoffs, set to be played in Lahore, will be announced in due course.
The cricket board announced the ticketing details hours after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif granted approval for public attendance in all three playoffs of the ongoing PSL 11.
Taking to X, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi said he had a meeting with the premier, during which the cricket board secured his approval for allowing fans in the stadia for the upcoming playoffs of the eight-team tournament.
“Just had a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and I’m pleased to share that we have secured his approval for public attendance in all three PSL playoff matches as well,” Naqvi wrote on the microblogging website.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Monday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif granted approval for public attendance in all three playoff matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.
“Just had a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and I’m pleased to share that we have secured his approval for public attendance in all three PSL playoff matches as well,” Naqvi wrote on his official X handle.
However, Naqvi cautioned that the permission “comes with an important condition from his side that fans are strongly encouraged to use public transport or minimise fuel consumption while attending the matches, in line with the ongoing national austerity efforts”.
Just had a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and I’m pleased to share that we have secured his approval for public attendance in all three PSL playoff matches as well.
However, this comes with an important condition from his side that fans are strongly encouraged to… pic.twitter.com/SXtyhrIBpF
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) April 27, 2026
“He also conveyed his best wishes to all four teams competing in the PSL playoffs. Looking forward to some exciting and entertaining cricket ahead,” he added.
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