ICC Faces Questions from BCB Over Cancellation of Bangladeshi Journalists’ Accreditation

Due to security concerns, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided not to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Although Bangladesh raised objections to playing at specific venues in India and proposed a change of venue, the International Cricket Council (ICC) did not accept the request. Eventually, Bangladesh was excluded from the World Cup and Scotland was included instead.

However, this off-field decision has now extended to the country’s media as well. On Monday, the ICC cancelled the accreditation of Bangladeshi journalists who had applied to cover the World Cup, triggering fresh controversy.

The BCB has sought an explanation from the ICC regarding the matter. The issue was confirmed on Tuesday by BCB Media Committee Chairman Amzad Hossain on the opening day of the CCDM Challenge T20 Cup.

He said, “We were informed on Monday about the decision to cancel the accreditations. We have asked for the reasons. Although the matter is confidential, seeking an explanation is our right.”

Amzad described the cancellation of media accreditation as undesirable and unreasonable. According to him, “The right to cover the World Cup does not depend on a team’s participation. There are precedents—Bangladeshi journalists have covered ICC events even when Bangladesh did not take part. We regularly cover the FIFA World Cup as well, even though Bangladesh has never played in it.”

He also highlighted the importance of Bangladesh’s viewer base in world cricket, saying, “Bangladesh has the third-highest number of viewers in the world. Even if we are not on the field, we represent a large share of the global audience. If our journalists are not present, how will millions of viewers in the country receive World Cup news?”

The BCB has opposed linking Bangladesh’s non-participation in the World Cup with the cancellation of journalists’ accreditation.

In Amzad Hossain’s words, “We did not boycott the entire World Cup. We raised objections to specific venues due to security concerns and requested alternatives. When that was not accommodated, we withdrew. Connecting this issue with journalists is not justified.”