The International Cricket Council (ICC) has described Bangladesh’s non-participation in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup as “regrettable” but has confirmed that no financial, sporting or administrative sanction will be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The announcement followed what the ICC called an “open, constructive and supportive” dialogue involving the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the BCB. Discussions covered a wide range of issues, including the recently concluded T20 World Cup and the wider prospects of cricket in South Asia.
Meantime, BCB asked Pakistan to participate in T20 World Cup match against India, which is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul expressed gratitude to Pakistan for standing by Bangladesh after they pulled out of the tournament after the ICC refused to relocate their matches from India.
NO SANCTIONS AGAINST BCB
The ICC acknowledged the disappointment of Bangladesh’s non-participation but reaffirmed BCB’s status as a valued full member with a proud cricketing history and a prominent role in the global game.
“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative sanction will be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter,” the ICC said in a joint agreement.
The governing body also clarified that the BCB reserves the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) under existing ICC regulations if it so chooses.
The ICC emphasized that its approach was guided by the principles of neutrality and fairness, emphasizing facilitative support rather than punitive action.
HOSTING RIGHTS FROM 2028 TO 2031
Under the prospective agreement, Bangladesh will host the ICC event from 2028 to 2031, before the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031. The hosting arrangement will continue to be subject to standard ICC processes, operational requirements and timetables.
The move is seen as a vote of confidence in Bangladesh’s organizing ability and reflects the ICC’s commitment to expanding meaningful hosting opportunities across its membership.
The global body also stressed the importance of ensuring the growth of cricket in Bangladesh – one of the sport’s most vibrant markets, home to more than 200 million passionate fans – and ensuring that the absence of the national team from the T20 World Cup does not have long-term consequences for the country’s cricketing ecosystem.
ICC REITERATES LONG-TERM COMMITMENT
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said that despite the setback, the focus remains on strengthening Bangladesh cricket.
“Bangladesh’s non-participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not change the ICC’s ongoing commitment to Bangladesh as a key cricket nation. We remain focused on working closely with key stakeholders including the BCB to ensure sustainable growth of the sport in the country and enhance future opportunities for its players and fans,” Gupta said.
“Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem that deserves long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration and is not defined by short-term disruptions.”
The ICC, PCB and BCB reiterated their commitment to continue dialogue and cooperation, saying the spirit of the agreement is aimed at protecting the integrity of the sport and maintaining unity within the cricketing fraternity.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 9, 2026