Jay Shah gives Bangladesh ‘ICC event’ lollipop after T20 World Cup boycott, promises no action

The ICC has stated that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will not face any punishment despite refusing to play their 2026 T20 World Cup matches in India. Notably, the global body also confirmed that Bangladesh will be given an ICC event before co-hosting the 2031 men’s ODI World Cup alongside India.

Bangladesh were left out of the ongoing World Cup after their government did not allow the team to travel to India for the tournament. The Bangladesh Cricket Board requested that their matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, but the ICC rejected the proposal and chose to replace them with Scotland in the tournament.

ICC Announces No Sanctions on Bangladesh for Skipping T20 World Cup

On Monday, the ICC confirmed that it will not take any action against Bangladesh for declining to play T20 World Cup matches in India. The decision was made after discussions involving the BCB and the Pakistan Cricket Board, who had earlier threatened to boycott a match against India.

“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter,” the ICC said in a statement.

“It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact.

“The ICC’s approach is guided by its principles of neutrality and fairness and reflects the shared objective of facilitative support rather than punishment.

Bangladesh to Host ICC Event Before 2031 World Cup

The ICC stated that Bangladesh will host a major ICC tournament between 2028 and 2031. Notably, the global body added that the hosting plan is subject to its standard approval process, timelines, and operational conditions.

“As part of this understanding, an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the usual ICC hosting processes, timelines and operational requirements.”

“This reflects confidence in Bangladesh’s capability as a host and reinforces the ICC’s commitment to providing meaningful hosting opportunities across its membership to develop cricket in the country.”

ICC Reaffirms Commitment to Dialogue, Unity, and Integrity of the Game

The Pakistan Cricket Board had said that the team would take part in the tournament but would not play their group match against India on February 15 in Colombo.

The ICC, PCB, BCB, and other member boards later agreed to keep discussions open and work together in a cooperative manner. All parties said the shared aim of this understanding is to safeguard the integrity of cricket and maintain unity across the global cricket community.

“The ICC, PCB and BCB, along with other Members, remain committed to continued dialogue, cooperation and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport. All stakeholders acknowledge that the spirit of this understanding is to protect the integrity of the game and preserve unity within the cricket fraternity.”

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