World cricket is facing a big controversy just before the T20 World Cup 2026 and this time the World Cricketers Association (WCA) has also expressed serious concern. This should have been an exciting build-up to the tournament, but it has now become a worrying situation for the game.
Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka has come as a shock to many. Fans, experts and former players have all been giving different opinions ever since the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Scotland as Bangladesh’s replacement after India refused to travel to India despite numerous security efforts and deemed them no threat.
Bangladeshi players have to pay the price of BCB-ICC decisions
Some believe that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) itself created the problems, while others believe that they were not treated fairly and the rules were not the same for everyone. But one thing is clear that the people who are suffering the most are Bangladeshi players.
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He worked hard, prepared for the T20 World Cup 2026 and earned his place in the team. Now, due to the decisions taken by ICC officials, cricket boards and governments, he has lost the chance to play in one of the biggest tournaments of his career. The players had no role in the debate or politics, yet they are the ones paying the price.
World Cricket Association criticizes ICC over handling of T20 World Cup 2026 crisis
Responding to this controversy, the World Cricketers’ Association came forward in support of the Bangladesh cricket team. He pointed out that the ICC and BCB failed to find a solution that could protect the players and this is a sad moment for both the game and the fans.
WCA CEO Tom Moffatt said, “Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup, and the resulting absence of a valuable cricket nation from cricket’s pinnacle international T20 event, is a sad moment for our game, Bangladesh’s players and fans, and requires deep reflection.”
It is being said that the ICC had given Bangladesh a very tough choice: follow the final schedule without any changes or stay out of the tournament. However, the BCB had raised concerns just weeks before the showpiece event which made things difficult to manage at such a late stage.
Also read: Pakistan will withdraw from T20 World Cup 2026 despite team announcement, Aaqib Javed confirms
Power struggles and unequal treatment raise big questions for world cricket
The WCA felt that BCB was not treated equally and this could seriously damage the future of the game. Moffat said, “Cricket is at its strongest when every team and every player is treated with respect, supported appropriately and consistently, and able to participate on fair terms. The game is at its best when all participants are genuine contributors to its success.”
The controversy has also exposed deep rifts in international cricket, particularly in the subcontinent, where political tensions, power struggles and unequal influence have already marred tournaments including in India and Pakistan in recent years.
The World Cricket Association believes this trend poses a serious threat to the unity, trust and long-term health of the game. Moffat signed off by saying, “It also highlights the significant issues with the current operating model of the sport on a global scale. If these issues continue to be ignored, it will undermine trust, unity and ultimately the health and future of our favorite sport.”
