An injustice is being done to Bangladesh

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has voiced strong criticism over what he describes as an injustice against Bangladesh concerning the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Saturday, Naqvi called for Bangladesh’s concerns to be addressed and emphasised that the nation deserves equal treatment.

Supporting Bangladesh’s request to change their hosting venue, Naqvi stated, “In the past, both India and Pakistan have been granted certain considerations. Bangladesh is equally entitled to such treatment.” He further warned that if Bangladesh were barred from participating in the tournament, the Pakistan team would discuss with the government the possibility of withdrawing from the World Cup in solidarity.

This marks the first time the PCB chairman has publicly addressed the issue. “Bangladesh is being treated unfairly,” Naqvi said. “I raised the same point at the ICC board meeting. You cannot adopt a double standard—where one nation can make decisions at will, while another faces completely opposite treatment.”

The controversy stems from a letter sent by ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta to the board members on Friday, confirming Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament. The letter noted that the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) position and demands were inconsistent with ICC policies. As the BCB did not comply with the ICC’s directive, the ICC had no alternative but to invite another nation to replace Bangladesh in the mega-event.

Following the ICC meeting last Wednesday, Bangladesh was given a 24-hour window to reconsider the decision not to play in India. Subsequently, on Thursday, Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul met with the national players, who reportedly maintained their decision to abstain.

As a result, Scotland will take Bangladesh’s place in Group C. The Scottish team is scheduled to begin their campaign against the West Indies on 7 February in Kolkata. They will then face Italy on 9 February and England on 14 February at the same venue, before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on 17 February.

Group C Schedule (Scotland Replaces Bangladesh):

Naqvi’s remarks underline growing concerns within the cricketing community about fairness and transparency in ICC decision-making, particularly regarding the treatment of emerging cricket nations like Bangladesh.