ICC Cites Govt Statements for Denying T20 World Cup Access to Bangladeshi Media

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has explained its decision to deny accreditation and visas to more than 100 Bangladeshi journalists for the T20 World Cup 2026, saying the move followed repeated statements by the Bangladesh government describing India as “unsafe for travel”. The decision has triggered strong backlash within Bangladesh’s media fraternity and added to existing tensions surrounding the tournament.

An ICC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told NDTV that the governing body acted after Dhaka publicly raised security concerns about travelling to India amid domestic political turmoil. “They have not been given visas or accreditation because the government kept saying it is unsafe to come to India,” the official said, indicating that the denial was linked directly to the government’s stance rather than individual media organisations.

The controversy comes shortly after Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026, following Bangladesh’s refusal to play their group matches in India. Bangladesh had insisted on a neutral venue such as Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns, but the ICC’s independent assessment reportedly rejected claims of any credible security threat in India.

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

Bangladesh’s media community has reacted sharply to the blanket rejection. Rana Abbas, sports editor of Aajker Patrika, described the decision as unprecedented and “deeply unfortunate”. He noted that Bangladeshi journalists have covered ICC events for decades, including high-profile India–Pakistan matches held in India, without facing such restrictions. “Never before have all correspondents been rejected in this manner. In the history of ICC events, this is unprecedented,” Abbas said.

Abbas also warned that the decision could set a damaging global precedent, pointing out that international sporting bodies typically allow media from non-participating nations to cover events. He added that the fallout could extend beyond India, potentially affecting coverage of matches scheduled in Sri Lanka as well.

Following the denial, Bangladeshi journalists have approached bodies such as the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) and the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community (BSJC) to explore possible responses. As tensions persist between the ICC and Bangladesh over World Cup participation and media access, the episode has further strained an already fractured relationship between the country’s cricket establishment and the global governing body.

Also Read: ICC Calls Bangladesh’s India Tour Refusal Hypocritical, Replaces Them with Scotland