Amid rising tensions between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pakistan has offered to host Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches. This offer comes after the BCB requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move their matches from India to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh's request to the ICC stems from growing concerns about the safety and security of its players in India. These concerns were amplified after the BCCI reportedly forced the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman before the 2026 IPL season. The BCB views this release as a sign of escalating tensions and a potential security risk for their team. Asif Nazrul, Youth and Sports Adviser in the interim government, stated that Dhaka would not accept any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers, and Bangladesh under any circumstances.

Bangladesh is scheduled to play three T20 World Cup matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is set to take place from February 7 to March 8. Following an emergency meeting, the BCB stated that the Bangladesh National Team would not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions, citing advice from their government. They formally requested the ICC to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka.

While the ICC was expected to deliver its verdict on the matter by January 10, Pakistan has now presented an alternative solution. According to Geo Super, Pakistan has communicated its willingness to host Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches if Sri Lanka is unable to do so. A PCB source claimed that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the matches smoothly, having successfully hosted major ICC events in the past, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women's Qualifier. The Champions Trophy 2025 was co-hosted by UAE due to India's unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

Reports had previously suggested that the ICC rejected Bangladesh's relocation request and warned the BCB of potential point forfeits if they refused to play in India. However, the BCB has denied these reports, asserting that the ICC has pledged to work closely with them to address their concerns.

The situation remains fluid, with the ICC yet to make a final decision. The BCCI has indicated that relocating the T20 World Cup games at the last minute would create logistical challenges. The ICC's decision will need to consider the security concerns raised by the BCB, the logistical constraints, and the diplomatic implications of choosing between India and Pakistan as host venues.