In a tit-for-tat move amid escalating cricket tensions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected all applications from Bangladeshi journalists seeking accreditation to cover the T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India. The decision comes on the heels of Bangladesh’s controversial boycott of the tournament, citing security concerns.
The ICC’s stance is clear: since the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its national team to India, labeling the host nation unsafe, reciprocal measures have been imposed on media access. Officials confirmed that visa and accreditation requests from 130 to 150 Bangladeshi reporters and photographers were outright denied.
The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 6, 2026, will proceed without Bangladeshi coverage from their homeland press. BCB Media Committee Chairman Amjad Hussain revealed that initial approvals for some photojournalists on January 20 and 21 were swiftly revoked, leaving the entire contingent sidelined.
Veteran journalist Arifur Rahman Babu, who covered the 1996 World Cup hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, expressed shock. ‘Even without a participating team, associate member journalists should get access. Rejecting everyone is baffling, and I strongly condemn this decision,’ he stated.
The saga began when Bangladesh demanded shifting their group-stage matches from India to Sri Lanka after releasing pacer Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026 duties over safety fears. They even proposed swapping groups with Ireland. ICC urged reconsideration and offered time, but BCB, following government advice, opted out entirely. Scotland stepped in as replacements.
This development underscores deepening rifts in international cricket, potentially setting precedents for future events. As fans gear up for the marquee clashes, the absence of Bangladeshi voices highlights the off-field battles shaping the sport.