T20 World Cup 2026: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently given clarification on the claims raised by Bangladeshi journalists. Several Bangladeshi media personnel had said that their accreditation petitions for the upcoming T20 World Cup have been rejected by the ICC. The ICC on Tuesday clarified its position in this matter and said that changes are being made in the process.

Controversy over the exclusion of Bangladesh team

Last week, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had refused to play matches in India citing security concerns. The ICC rejected BCB’s demand to shift its matches to Sri Lanka.

As a result, Bangladesh was eliminated from this 20-team tournament. In their place, Scotland was included in Group C. This happened for the first time in cricket history when a team was eliminated just before the start of the tournament.

Questions raised on recognition of journalists

The controversy did not stop after Bangladesh’s exit. A few days later, Bangladeshi journalists claimed that their recognition petitions had been rejected. According to reports, 80 to 90 or more Bangladeshi journalists were not allowed to come to India to cover the ICC event.

Apon Tariq, sports editor of Berta24.com, said that his petition had been rejected. Many journalists called it unfair and said that even before this Bangladeshi media has been covering ICC events even if the team is not participating.

ICC’s clarification

Responding to these claims, the ICC said that the recognition process is being reconsidered after the exclusion of the Bangladesh team. According to sources, the number of applications is very high and there has been a change in the timetable. Therefore, the recognition lists are being prepared afresh.

ICC sources told news agency PTI, "The process is subject to modification due to the number of requests and changes in schedule. Recognition lists are being prepared accordingly." He further said that if we look at the country’s quota, the number cannot be more than 40.

The ICC takes the decision based on the recommendations of the host board (BCCI or Sri Lanka Cricket). Sources also clarified that even if the Bangladesh team was participating, it would have been difficult to accredit such a large number of journalists.

BCB’s reaction in the matter

BCB’s media committee has taken this issue seriously. Media committee chairman Amjad Hussain told journalists in Dhaka that he had sought clarification from the ICC. He told, "This decision has come recently. We have sought information and raised it with the ICC." BCB will present this matter more strongly before the ICC so that Bangladeshi journalists can get fair opportunities.