• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif backed Bangladesh's T20 World Cup boycott.
  2. Bangladesh's refusal linked to Mustafizur's IPL ouster, Hindu attacks.
  3. ICC warned Pakistan of serious consequences for skipping India match.

Ever since Bangladesh refused to travel to India for its share of matches in the T20 World Cup, it has been evident that Dhaka was influenced by Pakistan, amid growing closeness between the two countries following the ouster of the democratically elected government in 2024. Although neither side had publicly endorsed this position since the controversy erupted, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday backed Dhaka’s stance of not traveling to India for matches.

It is important to note that Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was ousted from the IPL following a series of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. The decision was announced by the BCCI, the body that controls cricket in India.

Shehbaz Sharif backs Bangladesh stance

Calling Pakistan's boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India an "appropriate decision, Sharif has said that it was a "considered stance" to support Bangladesh.

Pakistan's cricket team has been told by the government to skip the February 15 game in Colombo after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland for refusing to play its games in India on account of "security concerns".

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"We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we won't play the match against India because there should be no politics on the sports field," Sharif stated after a government meeting here.

"We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision. We are with Bangladesh," he added.

ICC warns Pakistan of consequences

A livid ICC has warned the Pakistan Cricket Board of serious consequences if it fails to show up for the high-profile match, which is a money magnet at the big event for sponsors, broadcasters and advertisers.

The world body has hoped that the PCB will "consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of."

Pakistan has reached Colombo for its other preliminary engagements, starting with a game against the Netherlands on Saturday. The country's cricket board has already made it clear that it supports the government's position and would go by its advice even if a rematch against India crops up during the knockout stage.

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Bangladesh's refusal to travel to India for its share of matches was after its pacer Mustafizur Rahman was ousted from the IPL on BCCI's instructions. The Indian Board did not specify the reasons, but it came amid increased attacks on Hindus there.

Pakistan-Bangladesh's close proximity

It is noteworthy that since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024, Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has shown a tilt toward closer engagement with Islamabad. The two leaders met recently on multiple occasions, including on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2025 and the D-8 Summit.

This warming of relations has led to tangible steps, such as the resumption of direct flight connectivity after a 14-year hiatus. Biman Bangladesh Airlines operated its inaugural Dhaka-Karachi flight in late January 2026, with services initially running twice weekly.

Several agreements and understandings have also been inked or advanced in areas like trade, investment, aviation, visa facilitation for diplomatic passports, and cultural and educational exchanges.

Has Pakistan influenced Bangladesh to boycott matches?

However, none of these have been publicly announced as formal, long-term commitments by either side. This caution stems from the fact that Bangladesh is scheduled to hold general elections soon, with reports indicating February 12, following earlier announcements adjusting from April, and the interim government lacks the mandate to enter into binding, long-term international agreements. Amid rising proximity between the two countries, it is quite possible Islamabad has influenced Dhaka to boycott matches in India.

(With inputs from agency)


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