A fresh controversy has erupted between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Bangladesh after the global cricket body denied accreditation to more than 130 Bangladeshi journalists for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
The decision effectively prevents Bangladeshi media representatives from covering matches in both host countries. The move follows Bangladesh’s earlier refusal to play its group-stage matches in India, citing security concerns amid political unrest.
Bangladesh had requested that its matches be shifted to a neutral venue such as Sri Lanka, a proposal that was rejected by the ICC’s independent security unit.
Subsequently, Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the biennial tournament.
An ICC official, speaking to Indian media on condition of anonymity, linked the accreditation denial to repeated statements by Bangladeshi authorities portraying India as unsafe for travel. The official said visas and accreditation were withheld because of these remarks.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Media Committee Chairman Amzad Hossain confirmed that between 130 and 150 journalists had applied for accreditation and that all applications from Bangladesh were rejected.
Several journalists reported receiving initial approval emails and visa support letters earlier this month, only to have their accreditations abruptly withdrawn days later, causing confusion and anger within the media community.
Senior Bangladeshi journalists described the move as unprecedented and deeply unfortunate. They noted that Bangladeshi media professionals have consistently covered ICC events since before the country’s first World Cup appearance in 1999, including tournaments hosted in India.
Journalist bodies, including the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association and the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community, are now considering protest action. A formal protest letter is expected to be sent to the ICC through the Ministry of Information and the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
The ICC media department has yet to issue an official response. The episode has further strained relations between the ICC and Bangladesh, raising broader concerns about press freedom, transparency, and equitable access for journalists at major international sporting events.
