- ICC rejects accreditation for Bangladeshi journalists
- T20 World Cup 2026 controversy deepens before tournament
The T20 World Cup 2026 has triggered fresh controversy after the ICC allegedly denied accreditation to more than 100 Bangladeshi journalists. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from media bodies in Bangladesh and raised questions ahead of the mega tournament scheduled to begin on February 7.
According to reports, the ICC rejected accreditation applications from Bangladeshi journalists seeking to cover the T20 World Cup 2026. This development comes amid an existing dispute involving Bangladesh and the ICC. Earlier, the ICC removed Bangladesh from the World Cup and announced Scotland as the replacement team after Bangladesh decided not to play matches in India. However, before that issue could be resolved, the accreditation decision added to the growing tension.
BCB Media Committee Chairman Anjad Hussain confirmed the rejection of applications. He said that between 130 and 150 Bangladeshi journalists applied for accreditation this time. However, none received approval. “As far as we know, all the applications of journalists from Bangladesh have been rejected. This has never happened before,” Anjad said. Meanwhile, the reasons behind the ICC distancing itself from Bangladeshi media remain unclear.
The controversy deepened further after reports emerged about canceled approvals. Some photojournalists had earlier received approval emails and visa support letters from the ICC media department on January 20 and 21. Later, those approvals were reportedly withdrawn. “I received an approval mail and a visa support letter from the ICC. But now suddenly I received another mail saying that the application was rejected,” said a journalist from Bangladesh.
Senior journalist Arifur Rahman Babu, who has covered ICC events since the 1996 World Cup, was also denied accreditation for the T20 World Cup 2026. Reacting strongly, he said, “Journalists from associate countries are usually given permission even if the team is not participating. I do not understand the reason for rejecting everyone. I strongly condemn this.” His remarks echoed wider concerns within the Bangladeshi media community.
Meanwhile, the ICC has not issued any official response regarding the accreditation controversy. The silence has led to further criticism as the tournament draws closer. Observers note that Bangladesh has not only been excluded from the competition but its media has also faced unprecedented restrictions. As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the issue continues to attract international attention and criticism.
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