Bangladesh did not bow its head to play the T20 World Cup in India due to security concerns. Although the International Cricket Council (ICC) excluded Bangladesh from the World Cup by rejecting the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) demand to play in Sri Lanka, the ICC has now rewarded Bangladesh.
The ICC will not take any punitive measures against the BCB for refusing to play matches in India. In addition, Bangladesh will be granted the right to host an ICC event between 2028 and 2031.
The world cricket governing body disclosed this information in a statement on Monday (9 February). These decisions were announced following an ICC meeting in Pakistan with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
In protest against Bangladesh being excluded from the World Cup, Pakistan had announced a boycott of their scheduled group-stage match against India on 15 February in the ongoing tournament. It was primarily after this development that the ICC became active and held meetings with Bangladesh and Pakistan.
No Punishment or Sanctions for BCB
In the statement, the ICC said that all parties (ICC–Bangladesh–Pakistan) agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalties would be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current issue. If necessary, the BCB will retain the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC). This right will remain intact under existing ICC regulations.
The ICC further stated that its position on the matter is based on the principles of neutrality and fairness, and that it is moving forward with a cooperative solution rather than a punitive approach.
ICC Event in Bangladesh Between 2028 and 2031
As part of the understanding, an agreement has been signed to allow Bangladesh to host an ICC event before the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031.
According to the ICC, this reflects confidence in Bangladesh’s capability as a host and further strengthens the ICC’s commitment to providing meaningful hosting opportunities among its member nations for the development of cricket.
Meanwhile, ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta expressed regret over Bangladesh’s absence from the World Cup. In the ICC press note, he said, “Bangladesh’s absence from the T20 World Cup is regrettable. However, it will not bring any change to the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricket nation.”
He further added, “Our goal is to work closely with key stakeholders, including the BCB, to ensure sustainable development of the sport in the country. 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.”
