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- By Gurmeet Batra
- Sun, 25 Jan 2026 03:58 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The World Cricket Association (WCA) voiced deep dismay over Bangladesh's exit from the upcoming T20 World Cup, considering it "a sad moment" for cricket that deserves introspection and reform.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Saturday that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing the inability to adapt to the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) request to relocate matches to Sri Lanka due to the tournament's start date of February 7 being so close. The decision was made after extensive discussions between the ICC and the BCB.
"The withdrawal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup, and resulting absence of a valued cricketing nation from cricket's pinnacle international T20 event, is a sad moment for our sport, the Bangladesh players and fans, and one that requires deep reflection," WCA CEO Tom Moffat said in a statement.
The BCB declined to let its team travel to India, mentioning "security concerns" in the wake of Mustafizur Rahman's removal from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The ICC highlighted that there was no reasonable security threat to Bangladesh's team, officials, or supporters in India.
"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 WCA represents professional cricketers globally, with members from multiple countries, but notably excludes Indian players from its membership.
"In recent times, the WCA has become increasingly concerned by broader trends in the sport, including agreements not being honoured, rights being eroded, and a lack of meaningful consultation with players and their representatives. All of this amounts to a careless approach to people that should not belong in cricket," Moffat said.
"It also highlights significant issues with the game's existing operating model at the global level. These issues, if continued to be left unaddressed, will weaken trust, unity, and ultimately the health and future of the game we love."
The WCA CEO said the outcome "provides an opportunity for reflection across cricket."
"Rather than allowing division or exclusion to take hold, we call on the game's leaders to work with all stakeholders, including Governing Bodies, leagues and players, to unite the sport, not divide it, and in the shared interest of the game's long-term health and success.
"On behalf of players and their associations around the world, we continue to offer our support to the Bangladesh players, who miss out on an opportunity to compete on the world stage, and to their association (CWAB). We reiterate our commitment to work constructively with the BCB and all other stakeholders to strengthen and grow our game globally."