Bangladesh cricket is in a serious crisis and its impact could go far beyond just one tournament.
With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 set to be played in India and Sri Lanka, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reacted strongly to Bangladesh’s refusal to play their group matches in Mumbai and Kolkata, putting their future in question.
Bangladesh’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 impasse has put ICC on alert
In fact, due to the tough stance of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, their place as a Test playing nation is now in danger. Bangladesh achieved Test status in June 2000 and became the 10th nation to play the longest format of the game.
The moment was celebrated across the country after memorable performances in the late 1990s, including their historic ICC Trophy win in 1997 and an unforgettable upset in the 1999 World Cup against Pakistan, which announced their arrival on the global stage.
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Just a few months later, Bangladesh played its first Test match against India in Dhaka, and the entire country celebrated like never before with fireworks, street celebrations and national pride, as it marked the beginning of a new era for Bangladeshi cricket on the global stage.
From the glory of Test status to growing doubts
But more than two decades later, that proud position is now under serious pressure. Over the past few years, questions have been raised over Bangladesh’s consistency, as they have managed only 14 wins in over 120 matches in two decades of Test cricket.
Their struggles have placed them at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) since its inception, rekindling the age-old debate over whether new Test nations actually meet traditional standards. Now, that debate has returned at the worst possible time.
The current storm revolves around the 2026 T20 World Cup. Bangladesh is reluctant to play its group matches in India citing security concerns. However, the ICC, headed by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, has reportedly made it clear that the tournament will go ahead as planned and Bangladesh will also have to play their matches in India as per the schedule.
Financial losses, ranking risks, and hosting rights are at risk
According to media reports, the ICC has issued a stern warning as they have given Bangladesh a strict deadline to confirm their participation. If Bangladesh refuse to play, Scotland are expected to take their place in the tournament based on ranking, which would be a financial blow to the BCB.
ICC rules state that Bangladesh will face sanctions under the Member Participation Agreement if they withdraw from the ICC programme. Bangladesh could face heavy penalties, and the financial loss would be immediate, as they would lose approximately $300,000 per game.
Additionally, BCB will face millions of dollars in fines if they pull out of the T20 World Cup, with some estimates as high as two million dollars. The losses will not stop there, as Bangladesh also risk losing prize money, commercial revenue, falling out of the ICC rankings and losing ICC funding, which reportedly amounts to around $20 million every year.
Also read: Bangladesh government accuses Jay Shah-led ICC of ‘injustice’ after being ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
Additionally, Bangladesh may not be eligible for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup, and will have to go through a tough qualification route, which will be a big blow for them. The issue could also strain Bangladesh’s relations with India, jeopardizing future bilateral series.
ICC plans to cancel Bangladesh’s Test membership!!
And more importantly, if the standoff with the ICC continues, Bangladesh may also lose the right to co-host the 2031 ODI World Cup. Notably, India and Bangladesh are scheduled to host the event in 2031.
Although there is no official confirmation that ICC will cancel Bangladesh’s Test membership, media reports have claimed that the governing body is planning to take this drastic step.
Nevertheless, there is still a small window for a solution. BCB has reportedly asked for tight security arrangements. Diplomatic talks and ICC talks may still change the situation. But if no agreement is reached then Bangladesh cricket will have to face harsh consequences.
