Cricket World in Uproar: Players and Officials Slam ICC Over Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Ouster

The global cricket community has reacted strongly after the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Bangladesh would no longer participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Scotland replacing the team in the tournament set to begin on 7 February 2026.

Bangladesh’s removal came after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India, citing security and travel concerns. The ICC rejected a request to relocate Bangladesh’s group matches to Sri Lanka, insisting the schedule could not be changed so close to the tournament.

With no confirmation from the BCB by the given deadline, the ICC announced Scotland as the replacement. The decision has provoked sharp criticism from former players, cricket officials, and commentators across different countries.

High-profile former international players have publicly challenged the ICC’s handling of the situation. Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan captain, criticised the ICC for what he called “double standards”, pointing to previous decisions where the council accommodated security concerns for other teams under similar circumstances. Afridi urged the ICC to show consistency and fairness, saying that Bangladesh’s players and fans deserve respect rather than “mixed standards”.

Australian cricket legend Jason Gillespie echoed these sentiments, questioning why Bangladesh was not offered the same flexibility, such as playing at a neutral venue, that other teams have received in the past. Gillespie openly called for clarity and fairness, stressing that all member boards should be treated equally.

Cricket authorities, beyond individual players, also weighed in. The World Cricketers’ Association criticised the lack of meaningful consultation with players and their representatives, describing Bangladesh’s exit as a “sad moment for the sport” that highlights deeper issues within the governance model of international cricket. The association urged the game’s leaders to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to preserve the unity and health of cricket worldwide.

Within Bangladesh, reactions have been mixed. Some former cricket officials have expressed regret that political interference overshadowed a decision that should have centred on the team and its ability to compete. Others believe that an opportunity was lost and that Bangladesh’s cricketing reputation could suffer due to the controversy.

At the same time, commentators from other cricketing nations weighed in with differing views. While some backed the ICC’s strict adherence to its schedule, others stressed the importance of respecting the concerns of member boards and fostering goodwill among all cricketing nations.

The controversy has dominated headlines as cricket fans and stakeholders prepare for the T20 World Cup. With tensions already running high around regional politics and security issues, the dispute over Bangladesh’s participation has added a new layer of debate about governance, fairness, and the future of global cricket competitions.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, Times of India, Hindustan Times