Bangladesh and Netherlands Qualify for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales

Bangladesh cricket witnessed a week of sharp contrast as its men’s and women’s teams experienced dramatically different outcomes on the global stage. While the Bangladesh men’s team has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the women’s side secured qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Bangladesh’s men will not participate in the Men’s T20 World Cup after the team declined to travel to India for its scheduled group matches, citing security concerns. With tournament timelines tightening and no agreement reached on relocating matches to neutral venues, the ICC proceeded with alternative arrangements, bringing Bangladesh’s campaign to an abrupt end and marking a rare absence for the side from a major global event.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the men’s team, Bangladesh’s women offered a positive counterpoint by qualifying through the Super Six stage of the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers. Bangladesh and the Netherlands secured two of the four available spots, while Scotland also strengthened its position with a convincing victory over Ireland, keeping qualification hopes alive for the remaining teams.

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Bangladesh sealed their place with a 39-run win over Thailand, extending their record to a seventh consecutive appearance at the Women’s T20 World Cup. After slipping to 12 for two, Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary rebuilt the innings with a century partnership. Juairiya scored 56 off 45 balls, while Sobhana struck 59 from 42 deliveries, including nine boundaries, to guide Bangladesh to a competitive total of 165.

Thailand struggled in the chase despite Natthakan Chantham’s 46, as Marufa Akter led the bowling effort with figures of three for 25 to restrict them to 126 for eight. As debates continue over the men’s team’s absence, the women’s qualification provided clarity and relief for Bangladesh cricket, delivering a confirmed World Cup berth in an otherwise turbulent period.

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