Bangladesh Secures ICC Event Hosting Before 2031 World Cup, Avoids Penalty

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 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.

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 the stakeholders, the release said. 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 release added.

It has been agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter, the release said.

It was 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 ICC's approach is guided by its principles of neutrality and fairness and reflects the shared objective of facilitative support rather than punishment, the release said.

It also mentioned hosting of an ICC Event between 2028 and 2031 in Bangladesh. The release said that 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 release said.

"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," it added.

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 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. 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.

Earlier, an ICC delegation, led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and BCB President Aminul Islam, met in Lahore on Sunday to discuss Pakistan's decision to boycott the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

Pakistan media reported that the negotiations concluded and the dispute expected to be resolved through mutual consultation with a roadmap finalised between Imran Khawaja, Mohsin Naqvi, and Ameen ul Islam.

Pakistan Government had announced that the Men in Green would not take the field in the Feb 15 clash.

Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup, as their request to have all their matches played outside India was not agreed to by the ICC.

- ANI