Over a hundred Bangladeshi journalists are now denied accreditation for the T20 World Cup 2026. ICC’s decision to fence the journalists from covering the tournament has met with severe criticism from the media.

This decision of the ICC has certainly dented the already fractured relationship with Bangladesh. This step followed after Scotland was officially chosen for replacement of Bangladesh.

While talking to NDTV, an ICC official confirmed the stance. He stated, “They have not been given visas or accreditation because the government kept saying it is unsafe to come to India”.

A Bangladesh reporter from Aajker Patrika, while speaking to NDTV, further stated, “Such an incident has never happened in Bangladesh before. Bangladeshi journalists have covered ICC events since before the country’s first World Cup appearance in 1999, including high-profile matches like India vs Pakistan, even when played in India. Never before have all correspondents been rejected in this manner. In the history of ICC events, this is unprecedented and deeply unfortunate.”

He further stated, “I would say this is extremely sad. In global sport, even journalists from non-participating countries are usually accommodated – FIFA is a clear example. This issue risks setting a damaging precedent and could also affect coverage of matches in Sri Lanka.”

Bangladeshi journalists are said to have approached the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) and the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community (BSJC) to seek guidance before taking their next course of action.