Pakistan has extended full support to Bangladesh after the country decided not to travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, assuring that it will provide assistance if needed, including approaching the ICC.
The decision follows a recent incident in which the Indian Premier League, under pressure from extremist groups, excluded Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, and Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shahrukh Khan labeled him a traitor.
Bangladesh, taking a principled stance, argued that a country unable to ensure the safety of a single cricketer cannot guarantee the security of an entire team. Acting on government guidance, the Bangladeshi board refused to travel to India for the World Cup and also imposed a ban on broadcasting the Indian league in the country.
According to senior sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board will provide all possible support to Bangladesh. The sources said that Pakistan’s own refusal to travel to India in the past, using a hybrid model for fixtures, sets a precedent and gives Bangladesh the right to prioritize the safety of its players.
The sources added that Pakistan is ready to engage with the ICC if necessary. However, the Bangladeshi board has made it clear that even assurances from the Indian board or ICC regarding high-level security will not change their stance, citing prior experiences when Pakistan accepted security concerns and avoided traveling to India. Time constraints, however, could pose a challenge.
Bangladesh’s three World Cup matches are scheduled in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Recently, Indian media reported that discussions had begun on moving the matches to Sri Lanka, though no official confirmation has been made.
