Bangladeshi Media Barred: No Accreditation for Journalists at T20 World Cup 2026

A fresh controversy has emerged around the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after more than 100 journalists from Bangladesh were reportedly denied media accreditation for the tournament. According to multiple Bangladeshi media reports, between 130 and 150 journalists who applied to cover the event have not been granted access, raising concerns over press freedom and transparency in international cricket.

The development comes in the aftermath of the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026, a move that had already drawn criticism in the country. The tournament is scheduled to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka from February 7. Bangladeshi outlets have suggested that the accreditation issue may be linked to Bangladesh’s public opposition to the ICC’s refusal to relocate its matches to Sri Lanka.

BCB media committee chairman Amzad Hossain confirmed the reports, stating that none of the Bangladeshi applicants had received accreditation. “Around 130 to 150 journalists applied this year, but none received accreditation,” he said, adding that this was based on information available to him so far. The claim has intensified speculation over whether the rejection was a blanket decision.

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Further controversy arose after some photojournalists who initially received approval reportedly had their accreditations revoked. One journalist, Mir Farid, said he had received an approval email along with a visa support letter on January 20, only to be informed later that his application had been rejected. Similar accounts have been reported by other journalists.

Veteran sports journalist Arifur Rahman Babu, who covered the 1996 World Cup and currently serves as president of the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association, also claimed he was denied accreditation. He questioned the rationale behind the decision, noting that journalists from associate member nations have historically been allowed to cover ICC events even when their teams were not participating.

Arifur said he plans to consult the Bangladesh Sports Press Association and the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community before deciding on further action. The ICC media department has not yet issued an official response, leaving the matter unresolved as concerns grow within Bangladesh’s media fraternity ahead of the global tournament.

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