According to private broadcasters quoting PCB sources, if Sri Lankan venues are not available, all Pakistani venues are fully prepared to host T20 World Cup matches. PCB officials said Pakistan has successfully hosted major international events recently, including the Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s Qualifiers, and therefore has the capacity to conduct World Cup matches without any difficulty.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has refused to play its World Cup matches in India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has raised serious concerns regarding the security of its players in India, while the ICC has yet to make a final decision on relocating the matches.

It may be recalled that in recent days Bangladesh reiterated its firm stance, making it clear that no compromise would be made on players’ safety and national dignity. BCB had proposed Sri Lanka as an alternative venue and decided to write another letter to the ICC on the matter.

Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul said that Bangladesh has already qualified for the World Cup and is a cricket-loving nation, but players’ safety cannot be ignored under any circumstances. He said Bangladesh’s concerns would be effectively communicated to the ICC.

Dr. Nazrul further stated that the letter sent by the ICC did not take seriously the security concerns faced by Bangladeshi players in India, which is a matter of grave concern. He cited the Indian cricket board’s statement regarding the inability to provide security to Mustafizur Rahman during his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders as evidence that the playing environment in India is not completely secure.

On the occasion, BCB President Aminul Islam said that government approval is mandatory for any foreign tour; therefore, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is bound by the government’s decision. He added that if the security situation does not improve, Bangladesh will continue to raise its voice for its rights.

The BCB president also said it is incorrect to assume that the ICC has declared hosting matches in Sri Lanka impossible. He recalled that similar issues between Pakistan and India in the past were resolved and expressed hope that a mutually acceptable solution would be found in the current situation.