T20 World Cup: No penalty or sanctions on Bangladesh for seeking relocation of matches from India, says ICC
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has escaped financial sanctions or suspension for its refusal to send the men’s national team to India to play the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, a decision that led the International Cricket Council (ICC) to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The ICC’s decision not to impose any penalty on the BCB came after a tripartite discussion involving the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in Lahore on Sunday.
“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 the 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 ICC said in a statement on Monday.
According to the ICC, its approach is guided by principles of neutrality and fairness and reflects a shared objective of facilitative support rather than punitive action.
However, many fans are likely to view the ICC’s approach as a climbdown from its earlier stance, particularly after it decided to induct Scotland into the T20 World Cup 2026 in place of Bangladesh following the latter’s late request to relocate its matches from India to Sri Lanka.
“While reflecting on the Bangladesh cricket team’s unfortunate absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the global governing body 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 ICC said.
“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.”
While some have termed this a soft approach and believe the ICC has succumbed to pressure from Pakistan and Bangladesh, the governing body defended the decision as a “forward-looking alignment reached in good faith”.
“The highlights of the dialogue reflect a forward-looking alignment reached in good faith and are intended to provide clarity on the current position of 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 statement said.
The ICC has also allocated Bangladesh the hosting rights for an ICC event between 2028 and 2031, which is expected to be the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup in 2028.
“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.
“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,” the ICC added.
The ICC further stated that all stakeholders have agreed to remain committed to continued dialogue, cooperation, and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport.
“The ICC, PCB, and BCB, along with other members, remain committed to continued dialogue, cooperation, and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport. All stakeholders acknowledge that the spirit of this understanding is to protect the integrity of the game and preserve unity within the cricket fraternity.”
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said: “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 remains on working closely with key stakeholders, including the BCB, to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened.
“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.”
