Bangladesh were excluded from the T20 World Cup after refusing to play in India on security grounds. Then Pakistan started drama in the name of standing by Bangladesh. Pakistan says if Bangladesh is excluded, they will not play against India either. The decision was announced by the Government of Pakistan on February 1.

Allegedly, India-Bangladesh relations have deteriorated due to various reasons during the Yunus government. Bangladeshi players are excluded from IPL. Making this issue an issue, Bangladesh refused to play in India and gave the excuse of security. The ICC included Scotland in their place. No financial penalty or penalty was imposed on Bangladesh, but they were excluded from the tournament.

Pakistan was actually trying to achieve its own interests by keeping Bangladesh in front. They were playing politics to put pressure on ICC. Their demands showed how keen they are to play India. The demands were—

The ICC effectively dismissed Pakistan’s claims. The ICC has made it clear that bilateral series, tri-series or India’s tour of Bangladesh are not covered by the ICC. However, no penalty was given to Bangladesh and the matter of hosting the U-19 World Cup was said to be under consideration. The rest of the main claims were rejected. At this time, ICC gave PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi 24 hours to talk to the Prime Minister.

Everyone knew that Pakistan was actually playing this game for show. They wanted to please Bangladesh and its people. As soon as Bangladesh withdrew from the World Cup, Pakistan also decided not to play against India. Through this they try to lure Bangladesh. Pakistan has been trying to distance Bangladesh from India ever since the government of Muhammad Yunus came to power. The strategy of not playing T20 against India was also in that direction. But none of Pakistan’s efforts have worked before the ICC. Multilateral talks, requests from friendly nations and pressure from cricketing spirit forced Pakistan to back down. India takes a clear stand on the ICC. The ICC also threatens large fines. Pakistan eventually took a U-turn to avoid punishment.

Pakistan would have already surrendered, but it is said that the Pakistan government withdrew its decision to boycott only after persuading Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. BCB Chairman Aminul Islam officially requested and said that matches should be played to maintain brotherhood, it will benefit cricket. Sri Lanka also had a big role to play. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara convinced Dissanayah by calling Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif directly.

* Fear of harsh punishment by ICC

In a statement, the government of Pakistan said, “Following the outcome of multilateral discussions and requests from friendly countries, the government of Pakistan is directing the national cricket team to play the scheduled matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 15, 2026.” The statement added, “This decision is taken to preserve the spirit of cricket and maintain the continuity of this global game among all participating countries.” The Prime Minister also received a phone call from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

In a statement issued from Dubai, the ICC said that no penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh for refusing to play in India. Scotland is playing in place of Bangladesh. The ICC said, “It has been agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board. BCB can approach the Dispute Resolution Committee if it wishes.”

Sources said Mohsin Naqvi, in a discussion with ICC vice-president Imran Khawaja on Sunday, proposed the resumption of India-Pak cricket and a tri-series to compensate Bangladesh. But the ICC said India-Pak bilateral cricket was outside their jurisdiction and the demand for a tri-series was dismissed. India have not played a tri-series for over a decade. However, ICC can host the next U-19 World Cup to Bangladesh.