Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for what he described as unfair treatment of Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and scheduled to begin on February 7. Naqvi said Bangladesh should be allowed to participate in the tournament without facing discriminatory decisions over match venues.

The controversy stems from Bangladesh’s request to relocate their World Cup fixtures from India to Sri Lanka, citing security and safety concerns. The ICC, however, rejected the request and maintained the original schedule, leaving the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to decide whether to send its national team to India. According to agencies & New Age report, Bangladesh are slated to play all of their tournament matches on Indian soil, a factor that has intensified debate within regional cricketing circles.

Speaking after the inauguration of the PCB Merchandise Shop at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, Naqvi said he had raised the issue directly during an ICC board meeting. “Bangladesh has been treated unfairly. You cannot have double standards where one country is allowed to make decisions at will, while another is denied the same consideration,” he said.

Naqvi drew parallels with the hybrid hosting arrangement previously agreed upon between Pakistan and India, arguing that Bangladesh deserves similar flexibility. “Bangladesh is the same ICC member as Pakistan. If such an arrangement can be made for one set of countries, then it should also be extended to Bangladesh,” he added, stressing that no single country should be allowed to dictate terms to another.

When asked whether Pakistan might consider boycotting the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, Naqvi said the matter ultimately rests with the government. “We are waiting for the prime minister to return. A final decision will be taken then,” he said, while hinting that multiple contingency options were being discussed. “We have plans A, B, C, and D.”

The ICC has yet to respond publicly to Naqvi’s remarks, but the issue is expected to further test cricket diplomacy in South Asia as the World Cup draws closer.

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