DHAKA/LONDON: The ICC has intervened in light of concerns over Bangladeshi journalists wanting to attend the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, following news that several Bangladeshi journalists were initially denied accreditation.
The controversy came after Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the tournament due to Dhaka’s refusal to travel to India because of security concerns. With the Bangladeshi team no longer in the tournament, there were concerns about why Bangladeshi journalists had their accreditation applications denied.
According to sources quoted by PTI, the ICC is revamping the accreditation process for Bangladeshi journalists to suit the new circumstances. “There is a revision of the process due to the change in the number of requests and the time schedules. The accreditation lists are being revised accordingly,” said an ICC source.
The accreditation for the tournament is said to be restricted by country quotas, and the ICC cannot go beyond the limit. “If you look at the country quota, you cannot go beyond 40. The ICC takes recommendations from the home board and then processes applications,” said the sources.
The media committee head of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Amzad Hossain, confirmed that all Bangladeshi media accreditation applications were initially rejected. “The decision was made only yesterday, and we are seeking information. An explanation has been sought,” he said in Dhaka. He clarified that this matter is internal and confidential, but the board requires an explanation.
According to ICC representatives, Bangladeshi media personnel will have to reapply, and each application will be assessed individually based on the new dynamics of the tournament following the withdrawal of Bangladesh. The objective is to achieve balanced representation while remaining within the quota.
This development is part of the ICC’s overall adjustments to manage logistical aspects of the tournament following the sudden change that replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. Experts refer to how these global events deal with security issues, political issues, and strict operational requirements.
Bangladeshi media personnel and cricket enthusiasts are waiting for further information from the ICC regarding the new accreditation process as the February 2026 T20 World Cup approaches.
