In a last-ditch move ahead of the January 21 deadline, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), backing Bangladesh’s stance on not wanting to play their matches in India during the T20 World Cup 2026. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the PCB expressed support for Bangladesh’s concerns amid ongoing political tensions and has also copied the correspondence to other ICC board members. The ICC is scheduled to hold a board meeting on Wednesday to discuss the issue and arrive at a final decision. However, the report adds that Pakistan’s intervention is unlikely to influence the ICC’s stance, with the global body believed to have largely made up its mind. Pakistan’s move comes after its earlier proposal to host Bangladesh’s matches was rejected. The PCB’s letter was sent just a day before the ICC’s reported deadline for Bangladesh to confirm its participation plans. The controversy began when the BCCI reportedly asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh. In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wrote to the ICC, citing concerns over player safety in India and requesting that their World Cup matches be shifted to Sri Lanka. While the ICC offered to explore alternative venues within India and explained the logistical challenges of a late venue change, Bangladesh has remained firm on its position. The BCB also proposed a group swap with Ireland, a suggestion that was turned down by the ICC. Earlier reports had claimed that the ICC had given Bangladesh a January 21 deadline to clarify its stance. However, BCB officials later denied receiving such an ultimatum and reiterated that their position remains unchanged. Also Read: ‘Not safe for me’: Litton Das sidesteps T20 World Cup 2026 controversy