Amid the ongoing controversy over India attending the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has imposed new restrictions for journalists visiting the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka. Bangla Tigers have been officially pulled out of major tournaments after refusing to play their games in India citing security reasons.
Amidst all these controversies, BCB issued an official statement on Saturday and informed the journalists about the new rules inside the stadium. The board had highlighted the new guidelines, which are effective immediately and will apply to everyone entering the stadium premises, including journalists.
BCB made new guidelines for journalists
“Under the revised guidelines, Gate 1 has been designated as the sole entry point for media representatives. Additionally, journalists will now be allowed entry into the stadium only on specific occasions – namely on match days, during official press conferences, at events organized through formal invitations issued by the BCB, or during select practice and training sessions,” the statement said.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board sincerely seeks the understanding and cooperation of all concerned parties to ensure the smooth implementation of these measures in the larger interest of safety, security and orderly operations.” The news comes at a crucial moment for Bangladesh cricket, as the International Cricket Council has decided to include Scotland in place of Bangladesh in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Why did Bangladesh decide to pull out of the T20 World Cup?
They were initially drawn in Group C along with England, Nepal, Italy and West Indies. Bangla Tigers have been replaced by Scotland for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7. The ICC rejected their petition to move their matches to a neutral venue, which was Sri Lanka, due to security reasons in India.
Despite several meetings between officials of both the cricket bodies and repeated assurances from the ICC, the BCB did not change its stance, which led the ICC to take this serious step. This decision of not playing in India came just after the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction 2025.
After left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders at a whopping price of Rs 9.20 crore in the auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had asked for his release. His omission did not go down well with the Bangladesh government, which banned the telecast of the IPL in the country and ordered the BCB to boycott the World Cup in India.
However, no official reason was given by India’s apex body. It was reported that this decision has come amid the ongoing attacks on Hindus by Muslims in Bangladesh, which has created serious tension between the two countries.
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Is there any outside chance for Bangladesh to play in the T20 World Cup?
There are reports that ICC has kept Bangladesh as a backup. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been put in a dilemma after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to confirm its participation in the prestigious event.
PCB is angry with ICC’s exclusion of Bangladesh from the World Cup. If Pakistan pulls out of the major event, Bangladesh could join the group with India.
