Pakistani players to wear black armbands at T20 World Cup in support of Bangladesh

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The clouds of uncertainty surrounding Pakistan's participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup have not yet cleared. Pakistan has yet to reveal its cards, but in the meantime, shocking news has emerged. Reports claim that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is going to write another strong letter to the ICC in support of Bangladesh. In this letter, the PCB will express its intention that if its team participates in the World Cup, its players will take the field wearing black armbands to protest Bangladesh's exclusion from the tournament.

Symbolic protest planned to express disappointment

According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB is now planning to formally inform the ICC that it is deeply disappointed with Bangladesh's decision to withdraw from the T20 World Cup. Sources close to the PCB say the board is writing a letter to the ICC to inform them of its protest method during the World Cup. This will be a symbolic protest, through which the Pakistani team aims to express its displeasure on the global stage.

The final decision will be taken on Monday

The final decision on whether Pakistan will play in the World Cup is expected on Monday. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif earlier this week. Following the meeting, he announced on social media that the discussions were positive and that a final decision regarding the World Cup would be made public on Friday or next Monday. Since Friday has passed, all eyes are now on Monday when the PCB will announce its official decision.

Pakistan stunned by Scotland's entry

Earlier, the PCB had written an email to the ICC supporting Bangladesh and demanding that Bangladesh's matches be shifted out of India. Pakistan had even offered to host Bangladesh's matches. However, the ICC flatly refused to change the venue in a board meeting, calling Bangladesh's security concerns baseless. The ICC had given Bangladesh a 24-hour ultimatum, but after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remained firm on its decision not to come to India, the ICC included Scotland in the 2026 World Cup instead of Bangladesh. Pakistan is furious with this decision and is threatening a boycott.

The controversy is linked to IPL and Mustafizur

The dispute between Bangladesh and India is believed to have originated from an incident related to the IPL. IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Mustafizur Rahman, the only Bangladeshi player in its squad. In response, Bangladesh refused to play the T20 World Cup matches in India, citing "security concerns," and demanded that the matches be shifted to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC commissioned a survey from an independent security agency, which found that Bangladesh's concerns were unfounded.