T20 World Cup: Bangladesh urge Pakistan to end planned boycott for group match against India on February 15 in Colombo

The Bangladesh Cricket Board have called on Pakistan to end their proposed boycott for this month's ICC Men's T20 World Cup match against India for "the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem".

Bangladesh were removed from this year's T20 World Cup after their refusal to tour India due to political tensions and security concerns, with Scotland added as their last-minute replacements.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi warned last month that their national side could also pull out completely from the tournament, before the Pakistan government directed the team to play but boycott their February 15 match against India.

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the decision was made to "support" Bangladesh, although meetings have taken place between the International Cricket Council (ICC), BCB and PCB over the weekend to try and find a resolution.

BCB President Md Aminul Islam said: "We are deeply moved by Pakistan's efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish.

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"Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket eco system."

Pakistan will forfeit the points from their group stage match against India, should it not go ahead. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav ​has said his team will travel to Colombo for Sunday's match, despite the current plan to boycott it.

The ICC said they would not impose ‌any sporting, financial or administrative penalty on Bangladesh for their refusal ​to play in India. They also announced that Bangladesh would host an ICC event prior to ‍the 50-over World Cup of 2031, which is set to be co-hosted by India and Bangladesh.

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ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said: "Bangladesh's absence from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC's enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation.

"Our focus continues to be on working closely with key stakeholders including BCB to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened.

"Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration, and is not defined by short-term disruptions."

An ICC media release confirmed they had "open, constructive and congenial dialogue" with the PCB and BCB, while they remain "committed to continued dialogue, cooperation and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport".

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