Pakistan formally backs Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India

The diplomatic crisis surrounding the T20 World Cup has intensified just hours before a prospective deadline, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally intervening to support Bangladesh's refusal to play in India.

On Tuesday, as ESPNcrinfo reported, the PCB sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its board members, backing the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) stance that the political climate in India poses a security risk.

This move comes just a day before the ICC board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to make a final call on Bangladesh's participation in the tournament.

The ICC has called an urgent board meeting for Wednesday to resolve the impasse, which threatens to derail the event less than three weeks before it begins. While the timing of the PCB's email has raised eyebrows, sources suggest it is unlikely to alter the ICC's firm position.

The global body has repeatedly conveyed to the BCB that the World Cup schedule will not be changed to move Bangladesh's matches to co-host Sri Lanka. Both sides have remained deadlocked, with the ICC insisting on the original itinerary and the BCB, backed by their government, refusing to travel to India.

Speculation regarding Pakistan's involvement has been rife for days, with unverified reports suggesting the PCB might review its own participation contingent on the outcome of the Bangladesh issue.

While the PCB has not publicly commented, their email confirms a unified front with Bangladesh.

This diplomatic row originated when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, citing worsening political ties—a move that prompted the Bangladesh government to bar the national team from playing in India.