Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has described Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as “regrettable” but confirmed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The announcement followed what the ICC termed an “open, constructive and congenial” dialogue involving the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the BCB. The discussions covered multiple matters, including the recently concluded T20 World Cup and the broader outlook for cricket in South Asia.
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Meanwhile, the BCB has requested Pakistan to take part in the T20 World Cup match against India, 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 the latter withdrew from the tournament following the ICC’s refusal to relocate their matches out of India.
NO SANCTIONS AGAINST BCB
While acknowledging the disappointment surrounding Bangladesh’s non-participation, the ICC reaffirmed BCB’s status as a valued Full Member with a proud cricketing history and a significant role in the global game.
“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter,” the ICC said in a joint understanding.
The governing body also clarified that the BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) under existing ICC regulations should it choose to do so.
The ICC stressed that its approach was guided by principles of neutrality and fairness, emphasising facilitative support rather than punitive action.
HOSTING RIGHTS BETWEEN 2028 AND 2031
As part of the forward-looking understanding, Bangladesh will host an ICC event between 2028 and 2031, prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031. The hosting arrangement will remain subject to standard ICC processes, operational requirements and timelines.
The move is seen as a vote of confidence in Bangladesh’s organisational capabilities and reflects the ICC’s commitment to expanding meaningful hosting opportunities across its membership.
The global body also underlined the importance of safeguarding cricket’s growth in Bangladesh – one of the sport’s most vibrant markets, home to more than 200 million passionate fans – ensuring that the national team’s absence from the T20 World Cup does not have long-term consequences for the country’s cricketing ecosystem.
ICC REITERATES LONG-TERM COMMITMENT
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said the focus remains on strengthening Bangladesh cricket despite the setback.
“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.
“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.”
The ICC, PCB and BCB reiterated their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation, stating that the spirit of the agreement is aimed at protecting the integrity of the sport and preserving unity within the cricket fraternity.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
