Beyond the Boundary: Why Pakistan is Backing Bangladesh in its T20 World Cup Dispute with India

The cricketing world is abuzz with controversy following Bangladesh's unexpected expulsion from the upcoming T20 World Cup. This dramatic turn has escalated into a diplomatic saga, drawing in Pakistan, which has firmly thrown its support behind its South Asian counterpart. But beyond the headlines, a deeper question emerges:Why is Pakistan backing Bangladesh in its T20 World Cup row with India?The answer lies in a complex interplay of cricketing principles, accusations of double standards, and long-standing geopolitical tensions.

Bangladesh's World Cup Dream Dashed: The Relocation Request

Bangladesh's place in the global T20 tournament, confirmed just months ago, was abruptly revoked by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The catalyst for this drastic measure was a weeks-long standoff over Bangladesh's request to relocate its matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing paramount concerns for player safety and security. This plea came in the wake of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman's sudden removal from his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, reportedly at the directive of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), citing vague "developments all around." Bangladesh argued that if one player's safety couldn't be guaranteed, the entire squad's well-being was at risk.

However, the ICC, led by Jay Shah – son of India's Home Minister Amit Shah and a known ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi – rejected the relocation request, asserting a lack of "credible" or "verifiable" threats. With neither side budging, Bangladesh was ultimately ousted, and Scotland was named as their replacement.

Pakistan's Unwavering Solidarity: A Stance on Principle

In a powerful display of solidarity, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) swiftly condemned the ICC's decision, delaying its own final participation decision for the T20 World Cup. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the unfolding crisis, emphasizing that a definitive stance would be announced shortly.

Pakistan's own fixtures in the tournament are scheduled for Sri Lanka, a reflection of the strained relations between New Delhi and Islamabad. This history of needing neutral venues for their own matches plays a significant role inwhy Pakistan is backing Bangladesh in its T20 World Cup row with India. The PCB views Bangladesh's plight through a similar lens, championing fairness and consistency in international cricketing policies.

Accusations of 'Double Standards' Echoing Through the ICC

A key element of Pakistan's argument, and indeed Bangladesh's, revolves around the accusation of the ICC applying "double standards." Aminul Islam, President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), explicitly pointed to a prior ICC-brokered agreement from late 2024. This accord permitted India and Pakistan to play at neutral venues when one hosted a major international tournament, a direct response to India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy due to security concerns.

For tournaments like the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 and the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan's matches are routinely scheduled in Sri Lanka when India is a co-host. Naqvi vocally criticized this perceived inconsistency: "You can't have double standards... You can't say for one country [India] they can do whatever they want and for the others to have to do the complete opposite." Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh thus stems from a belief that the same logistical and security considerations afforded to other full member nations should apply universally.

Geopolitics at Play: Deeper Fractures in South Asia

While framed as a sporting dispute, the underlying currents are undeniably political, rooted in decades of fractured relations between these three South Asian nations. The 1947 partition of British India, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War (in which Indian troops played a decisive role), and recent political shifts have all contributed to a complex regional dynamic.

Crucially, ties between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated since August 2024, following the ouster of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who subsequently fled to India. Concurrently, relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, historically strained, have seen rapid improvement. This shifting geopolitical landscape provides a critical backdrop for understandingwhy Pakistan is backing Bangladesh in its T20 World Cup row with India, transforming a cricketing disagreement into a significant regional statement.

In an immediate gesture of support following Mustafizur's IPL removal, the PCB even offered the star bowler a spot in the Pakistan Super League, further cementing their solidarity.

The Path Forward

As the T20 World Cup approaches, the controversy leaves a bitter taste. Pakistan's principled stand, fueled by past experiences and a perception of uneven treatment by the ICC, highlights the intricate web of cricket, politics, and regional diplomacy in South Asia. The final decision on Pakistan's participation remains pending, but their unequivocal support for Bangladesh has already sent a powerful message across the cricketing world.