Cricket Community Criticizes ICC for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Exit

Morgan Winslow

Published: January 25, 2026 4:42 AM ET

Cricket Community Criticizes ICC for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Exit

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing backlash after expelling Bangladesh from the Men’s T20 World Cup. This decision followed Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India due to safety concerns. The ICC’s action, announced on a Saturday, has drawn criticism from various stakeholders within the cricket community.

The Controversial Decision

Bangladesh was removed from the tournament after weeks of discussion regarding venue changes. The ICC decided to allow Scotland to replace Bangladesh in the World Cup lineup. This has been described as a detrimental moment for cricket.

Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup was termed a sad moment by key figures.
Tom Moffat, CEO of the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), emphasized the need for unity in the sport.

Concerns Over ICC’s Fairness

Critics, including former players, have questioned the ICC’s consistency. They noted that despite Bangladesh’s security fears, the ICC had recently moved India’s matches from Pakistan to a neutral venue for similar reasons. This inconsistency in approach has led several former cricketers to speak out against the ICC’s practices.

Shahid Afridi expressed disappointment, insisting that Bangladesh deserves respect and fair treatment.
Mohammad Yousuf stated that the fans of Bangladesh are being unfairly deprived of cricket.

Political Undertones and Future Uncertainties

The political landscape between India and Bangladesh has complicated their cricketing ties. While Pakistan is set to play its fixtures in Sri Lanka, there remains uncertainty over their participation in the World Cup. Mohsin Naqvi, chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), highlighted that their decision rests with the government of Pakistan.

Naqvi criticized the ICC for what he termed a double standard in their treatment of different nations.
He defended Bangladesh’s status in cricket, calling for fairness in ICC’s policies.

As the situation evolves, the cricket community continues to call for an end to perceived injustices. The ICC is urged to foster unity and transparency, ensuring that all teams are treated equitably. The upcoming T20 World Cup will be closely watched as discussions around these issues unfold further.