A major controversy has emerged ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Reports from Bangladesh claim that more than 100 journalists from the country have been denied media accreditation. The decision has raised serious concerns about transparency and fairness.
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According to multiple Bangladeshi media outlets, around 130 to 150 journalists applied for accreditation. None of them reportedly received approval. The ICC will hold the tournament in India and Sri Lanka starting from 7 February. This development has shocked the cricketing media community in Bangladesh.
The issue comes at a sensitive time. Scotland recently replaced Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2026 lineup. That decision itself sparked widespread debate. The accreditation rejection has now added fuel to the fire.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Decision Sparks Fresh Controversy
The International Cricket Council has not yet issued a detailed explanation. However, observers have linked the decision to Bangladesh’s public criticism of the ICC. Bangladesh had opposed the refusal to shift its matches to Sri Lanka due to logistical and security concerns.
This public stance may have caused friction. Many journalists believe the rejection is not a coincidence. They feel the decision is punitive in nature. The ICC has denied such claims in the past. Still, the silence around this issue has raised more questions.
Bangladesh has been part of ICC tournaments since 1999. Its journalists have covered global events for decades. Even when Bangladesh did not qualify, media personnel still received access. This makes the current situation unusual and alarming.
Statements from Bangladesh Cricket Board Officials
Amzad Hossain, chairman of the BCB media committee, confirmed the reports. He confirmed that the ICC rejected all Bangladeshi applications. He expressed disappointment and concern. As far as I know, all Bangladeshi journalists were rejected, he said. Around 130 to 150 journalists applied. None were approved.
This statement quickly spread across media platforms. Journalists began sharing their own experiences. Some revealed they had initially received approval emails. The ICC later withdrew those approvals without explanation.
Several photojournalists claimed they received approval emails in mid-January. These emails included visa support letters. Days later, they received rejection notices. One journalist, Mir Farid, shared his experience publicly. He said he received approval on 20 January. The email came from the ICC media department.
On a later date, he received another email stating his application was rejected. This sudden reversal has raised serious credibility issues. Journalists are questioning the accreditation process. Many believe the system lacks consistency and accountability.
The situation has created uncertainty ahead of major matches. These include high-profile fixtures like India vs Pakistan. Such games attract global attention and massive media coverage.
Strong Reaction from Senior Sports Journalists
Veteran journalist Arifur Rahman Babu also spoke out. He covered the 1996 World Cup. Arifur Rahman confirmed that he too was denied accreditation. He stated that journalists from Associate Member nations often get access. This applies even when their teams are not playing. He found no valid reason for rejecting every Bangladeshi applicant. I strongly condemn and protest this decision, he said.
Arifur is the president of the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association. He plans to consult other press bodies. These include the Bangladesh Sports Press Association and the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community. They will decide the next steps together. Legal action or a formal complaint to the ICC is being considered. The journalist community is united on the issue.
This decision could affect coverage of major matches. The T20 World Cup 2026 features several marquee events. These include the India vs Pakistan clash. It also includes the T20 World Cup Semi Final and the T20 World Cup Final match.
Bangladeshi fans follow these games closely. Local journalists play a key role in coverage. Their absence may limit diverse perspectives. It may also affect regional reporting and fan engagement. Media freedom is a core value of global sports. Equal access ensures balanced reporting. Many believe the ICC must address this issue quickly.
Growing Pressure on the ICC ahead of T20 World Cup
Pressure is mounting on the ICC to respond. Social media reactions continue to grow. Former players and analysts have also raised concerns. Transparency in media accreditation is essential. Clear guidelines must be shared. Fair treatment should apply to all member nations.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is meant to celebrate global cricket. Controversies like this risk overshadowing the sport. Fans want focus on the cricket, not governance disputes. If unresolved, the issue could damage trust. It may also set a worrying precedent for future tournaments.
The denial of accreditation to over 100 Bangladesh journalists has sparked outrage. It has raised questions about fairness and freedom of the press. With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching fast, clarity is essential.
Major matches like India vs Pakistan, the T20 World Cup Semi Final, and the T20 World Cup Final match deserve full and fair coverage. Journalists are a vital part of the game’s ecosystem. The cricket world now awaits a response from the ICC. How it handles this issue may shape perceptions for years to come.
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