ICC snubs Bangladeshi journalists (Source: @shahidul /x.com, @AmanHasNoName_2/x.com)
Weeks of uncertainty finally ended as Bangladesh stood firm on its decision and officially boycotted the T20 World Cup. With immediate effect, ICC has taken a massive step for the Bangladeshi journalists.
As the tournament is commencing on February 7, Bangladeshi journalists applied to the ICC to cover the tournament, but the highest cricket body has rejected their applications. The decision sparked outrage, leaving the journalists offended and fuming over the snub.
ICC snubs Bangladeshi journalists at the T20 World Cup 2026
Ever since Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL snub, Bangladesh’s road to the T20 World Cup 2026 spiraled into a full-blown controversy. After weeks of turmoil, Bangladesh finally opted out of the upcoming marquee event, and the world remained in shock.
Even after the Tigers boycotted the tournament, the Bangladeshi journalists sought permission from the ICC to cover the global event, but the highest cricket body has taken a massive step. The ICC rejected their application as they now can't cover the tournament live.
BCB’s media committee chairman Amzad Hossain confirmed the news. While speaking to The Daily Star, he said, “As far as I know, all Bangladeshi journalists were rejected. Around 130 to 150 journalists applied this year, but none received accreditation.”
Even approved applications face rejection
With the tournament finalized long ago, several Bangladeshi photojournalists had applied early and even received clear approval from the ICC. But things took a 360-degree turn after Bangladesh walked out of the tournament. Some of the journalists who got approval from the ICC received rejection after that.
Mir Farid, a special photojournalist of Kaler Kantho, confirmed the news. He said, “I received an approval email from the ICC media department on January 20, which included a visa support letter. But today I received another email saying my application was rejected.”
Bangladeshi journalists stage strong protest against ICC decision
In 1996, when Bangladesh was not playing the World Cup, Bangladeshi journalists covered it throughout. Following the ICC’s rejection of their applications this time, Jagonews24.com’s special correspondent openly expressed frustration over the decision. He added that the move went beyond professionalism and confirmed they plan to send a formal protest letter to the highest cricketing body.
“It appears the ICC is unhappy that Bangladesh are not participating and has shut the door on Bangladeshi sports journalists. This goes beyond courtesy and professionalism. I think this episode exposed a dark side of the ICC,” he said.
“I will speak with the other two sports journalists’ organisations to explore possible actions. A strong protest letter should be sent to the ICC through the Ministry of Information and the BCB, asking for an explanation. Since Sri Lanka is a co-host, they could have accommodated us there,” he added.
After Bangladesh boycotted the tournament, the BCB faces a massive financial blow as they are set to lose $25 million in the annual ICC revenue. The country was set to host the Men’s ODI World Cup 2031 along with India. However, following the recent boycott, Bangladesh now risks losing the opportunity to host this marquee event.
