Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that it will not impose any financial, sporting or administrative penalty on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for refusing to play its T20 World Cup matches in India. The decision was announced on Monday following discussions with the BCB and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
In a statement, the ICC said all parties agreed that no sanctions would be imposed, emphasising its commitment to neutrality and fairness in handling disputes among member boards.
Dialogue Over Punishment
The ICC said its approach reflects a shared objective of facilitative support rather than punitive action, stressing that the governing body aims to resolve conflicts through dialogue. The council also noted that the BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) under existing regulations if it chooses to do so.
Bangladesh had declined to travel to India for the ongoing T20 World Cup citing security concerns, leading to Scotland being brought in as a replacement team. Pakistan had earlier announced a boycott of its February 15 match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s Proposals Rejected
The ICC also confirmed that Pakistan’s demands for a restart of bilateral cricket with India were rejected. Additionally, a proposal for a tri-series involving India, Pakistan and Bangladesh was turned down, highlighting the complexity of ongoing cricketing and political tensions in the region.
Bangladesh to Host Future ICC Event
As part of the understanding reached during negotiations, the ICC confirmed that Bangladesh will host an ICC tournament between 2028 and 2031, ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031. The hosting rights will be subject to standard ICC processes, timelines and operational requirements.
The governing body said the decision reflects confidence in Bangladesh’s ability to host major international tournaments and reinforces its commitment to developing cricket in the country.
ICC Reaffirms Commitment to Bangladesh Cricket
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta expressed regret over Bangladesh’s absence from the T20 World Cup but reiterated the council’s long-term support.
“Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation,” Gupta said.
He added that Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of sustained investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration.
Efforts to Resolve the Standoff
BCB President Aminul Islam travelled to Pakistan for talks with PCB officials and participated in virtual discussions with the ICC as efforts continued to ease tensions. In a statement from Dhaka, Islam said he had urged Pakistan to end its boycott of the February 15 match against India for the benefit of global cricket.
“I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem,” Islam said.