Players, Officials Criticize ICC After Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Exit
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has come under fire for alleged “double standards” and harming the sport’s image after removing Bangladesh from the Men’s T20 World Cup. The expulsion followed Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns.
The decision, announced on Saturday, ended a week-long standoff between the ICC and Bangladesh over the relocation of the team’s World Cup matches.
The decision, which paved the way for Scotland to replace Bangladesh in the tournament, drew sharp criticism from former players, cricket experts, and players’ associations, describing it as a “disheartening moment for the sport.”
Tom Moffat, chief executive of the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), said in a statement: “Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup—and the absence of a key cricketing nation from the sport’s premier international T20 event—is a sad moment for cricket, its players, and fans. It calls for serious reflection.”
Moffat urged cricket authorities to prioritize unity over division: “Instead of letting exclusion or discord take hold, we urge the sport’s leaders to collaborate with all stakeholders, including governing bodies, leagues, and players, to strengthen, not fracture, the game.”
He expressed growing concern over agreements not being respected and the lack of meaningful consultation with players and their representatives.
“These developments also point to deep flaws in the sport’s global operating model,” Moffat added. “If left unaddressed, these issues could erode trust, weaken cohesion, and threaten the long-term health and future of the game we all cherish.”
“Cricket’s Leaders Should Focus on Collaboration, Not Conflict”
The ICC denied Bangladesh’s appeal to shift their matches to co-host Sri Lanka, citing the impracticality of altering the schedule so close to the tournament’s February 7 kickoff. Bangladesh, however, stood firm on its refusal to play in India, citing safety and security concerns for its players.
Former cricketers, meanwhile, questioned the ICC’s consistency, pointing out that India’s matches were recently moved from Pakistan to a neutral venue for similar security reasons.
India declined to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in March, following the government’s directive. The ICC then arranged a compromise, allowing matches between the two nations to be held at a neutral venue whenever one hosts a global tournament.
As a result, all of India’s Champions Trophy fixtures, including the final, took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi voiced his criticism of the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s situation, describing it as “deeply disappointing.”
“Bangladesh’s players and millions of fans deserve respect—not inconsistent standards,” Afridi wrote on X.
