Mumbai, Jan 19 (NationPress) In a significant move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended the preparations of its national team for the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This decision aligns with their support for Bangladesh's request to relocate its matches from India, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport.

Just a day after Pakistan issued a warning about withdrawing from the T20 World Cup unless Bangladesh's appeal was honored, the PCB took action, instructing the team to scale back their training sessions. Top officials from PCB confirmed this development to www.telecomasia.net.

Reportedly, the PCB has communicated its full support for Bangladesh's choice to refrain from traveling to India due to security concerns discussed during a meeting between Dhaka and Islamabad on Saturday. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Interior Minister, has been actively involved in discussions concerning the issues between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Naqvi was reported to have stated during the discussions that Pakistan stands firmly behind Bangladesh and would reconsider its participation in the tournament if Bangladesh's demands remain unresolved.

However, sources have indicated that the PCB has informed the government that withdrawing from the tournament would not be straightforward, as it would require presenting a valid rationale. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to two million dollars for breaching the Member's Participation Agreement with the ICC.

The PCB also proposed to host Bangladesh’s matches in the T20 World Cup should the venues in Sri Lanka become unavailable.

In light of the situation, Bangladesh has requested that their matches be moved to Sri Lanka after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to cancel their contract with pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming IPL 2026.

Media reports indicate that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to rule on Bangladesh's request by January 21, following a meeting with the Bangladesh Cricket Board where both sides maintained their positions.

Additionally, Bangladesh has suggested to the ICC to consider swapping places with Ireland in Group B, as Ireland is set to play its group matches in Sri Lanka; however, the ICC has assured Ireland that no such changes will be implemented.

ICC officials have expressed frustration with the Bangladesh Cricket Board's position, emphasizing that the BCB had previously indicated there was no security threat to their team. They have also made it clear that if Bangladesh decides to withdraw, a replacement team will be nominated, with Scotland next in line based on rankings.