The International Cricket Council (ICC) reaffirmed the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) position as a valued full member after a dialogue on Monday.
“The discussions covered several issues, including—but not limited to—the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the broader outlook for cricket in South Asia,” the ICC said in a press release on Tuesday.
Bangladesh skipped the ongoing T20 World Cup due to security concerns in India. The ICC then invited Scotland to take Bangladesh’s place.
“While reflecting on the Bangladesh cricket team’s unfortunate absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the global governing body for cricket reaffirmed BCB’s position as a valued full member, with a proud cricketing history and a vital role in the growth of the global game,” the release added.
“The ICC also reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans, to ensure that the national team’s non-participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country,” it added.
The ICC emphasised that the non-participation will not have any negative impact on Bangladesh.
“The highlights of the dialogue set out below reflect a forward-looking alignment reached in good faith and are intended to provide clarity on the current position of the stakeholders. They do not alter, qualify or detract from the ICC’s constitutional autonomy, governance framework or established decision-making processes, all of which remain fully applicable,” the ICC release pointed out.
The world cricket apex body also made it clear that no penalty or sanction would be imposed on BCB because of the non-participation.
“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter. It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact,” the release added.
The ICC also granted Bangladesh the right to host an ICC event prior to the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031.
“As part of this understanding, an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the usual ICC hosting processes, timelines and operational requirements,” it said.
“This reflects confidence in Bangladesh’s capability as a host and reinforces the ICC’s commitment to providing meaningful hosting opportunities across its membership to develop cricket in the country.”
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta, however, rued Bangladesh’s absence from the T20 World Cup but said, “It does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation.”
“Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation. " Our focus continues to be on working closely with key stakeholders, including BCB, to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened," Gupta said, as quoted by the ICC release.
“Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration, and is not defined by short-term disruptions.”
