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ICC Denies Bangladeshi Journalists T20 World Cup Accreditation Amid Venue Dispute

The International Cricket Council has reportedly denied accreditation to all 130-150 Bangladeshi journalists who applied to cover the upcoming T20 World Cup. This follows Bangladesh's withdrawal from the tournament after refusing to play their scheduled matches in India, citing security concerns, and their subsequent replacement by Scotland. Bangladeshi journalists report having initial approvals revoked, with media officials expressing surprise and condemnation over the blanket rejection. Journalist associations are now consulting on their next steps in response to the decision.

Key Points: ICC Rejects Bangladeshi Journalists' T20 World Cup Accreditation

  • ICC rejects all Bangladeshi journalists
  • Bangladesh replaced by Scotland
  • Security concerns cited for venue change
  • Accreditation revoked after initial approval
  • Journalist bodies protest decision
2 min read

Bangladeshi journalists denied accreditation for T20 WC: Reports

ICC denies accreditation to 150+ Bangladeshi journalists for T20 World Cup after Bangladesh team's withdrawal over security concerns and venue dispute.

"As far as I know, all Bangladeshi journalists were rejected. - Amzad Hossain"

New Delhi, Jan 27

The International Cricket Council has reportedly rejected accreditation applications from Bangladeshi journalists to cover the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.

The development came after Bangladesh refused to participate under the tournament's published schedule, which would have required them to play their league-stage games in India, and was subsequently replaced by Scotland in the tournament.

Bangladesh had sought to move their group-stage fixtures from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in the wake of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman being released from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. But the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh ended weeks of uncertainty after the BCB repeatedly pressed for a venue change and even suggested swapping groups with Ireland.

According to a Daily Star report, several journalists claimed that a number of Bangladeshi photojournalists initially received approval emails on January 20 and 21, only to have their accreditations revoked later.

The report quoted BCB media committee chairman Amzad Hossain claiming 130 to 150 journalists from Bangladesh had applied for accreditation. "As far as I know, all Bangladeshi journalists were rejected. Around 130 to 150 journalists applied this year, but none received accreditation," Amzad said.

A senior journalist, Arifur Rahman Babu, was among four Bangladeshi reporters who covered the 1996 ICC World Cup, co-hosted by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, said, "Even if a team is not playing, journalists from an ICC Associate Member nation can still receive accreditation. I find no reason why everyone was rejected. I am surprised, and I strongly condemn and protest this decision."

Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA) said it would consult with the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) and the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community (BSJC) to determine their next steps.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand security is paramount, the way this was handled seems unprofessional. First approving and then revoking? That's not how a global body like ICC should operate. It creates unnecessary diplomatic tension over a sport we all love.
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Aman W
Honestly, if Bangladesh pulled out citing security concerns in India, can we blame the authorities for being extra cautious? Their team didn't want to come, but their journalists do? The logic is confusing. The ICC might have its reasons we don't know about.
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Delhi, this is sad news. Bangladeshi fans are passionate and their journalists provide great coverage. Hope this gets resolved quickly. The World Cup will feel incomplete without voices from all participating nations.
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Vikram M
The BCB created this mess by making unreasonable demands and then refusing to play. You can't have it both ways. Now they are playing the victim card. The ICC's primary duty is to the tournament's smooth conduct. Still, rejecting all 150 applications seems like an overreaction.
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Kavya N
This sets a bad precedent. What about the spirit of sports journalism? A senior journalist who covered the '96 World Cup has a point. Associate nations deserve a voice. Hope the BSJA's consultations lead to a sensible solution. The game is bigger than these politics.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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