More than 100 journalists from Bangladesh have reportedly been denied accreditation to cover the T20 World Cup 2026, triggering fresh controversy around the tournament scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February.

According to reports from Bangladeshi media, between 130 and 150 journalists had applied for accreditation through the International Cricket Council’s media process. However, none of the applicants from Bangladesh have reportedly received approval.

The development comes amid ongoing tensions following the ICC’s earlier decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh had also publicly opposed the ICC’s refusal to relocate its scheduled matches to Sri Lanka, a stance that has now drawn further attention in the wake of the reported media restrictions.

Approvals allegedly revoked after initial clearance

The controversy deepened after claims emerged that some Bangladeshi photojournalists initially received accreditation approvals, along with visa support letters, earlier in January. These approvals were later withdrawn, with applicants receiving rejection emails days after the initial confirmation.

One journalist was quoted as saying that an approval email issued by the ICC media department on January 20 was followed by a rejection notice, despite visa documentation having already been issued.

Journalists’ bodies plan response

The issue has also drawn reactions from senior sports journalists in Bangladesh. A veteran journalist, who covered the 1996 Cricket World Cup, said he was surprised by the decision and questioned the reasoning behind rejecting all applications from a single country.

He pointed out that journalists from ICC Associate Member nations are typically allowed to receive accreditation even if their teams are not participating in the tournament.

The Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association is expected to consult with other journalist bodies in the country before deciding on further steps.

As of now, the ICC media department has not issued an official statement clarifying the reported rejection of Bangladeshi journalists’ accreditation applications.

The International Cricket Council has removed Bangladesh from the upcoming T20 World Cup after the team declined to travel to India for the tournament, sources told media on Saturday.

Scotland have been named as Bangladesh’s replacement for the event, which is scheduled to begin on February 7. The decision was taken after Bangladesh failed to formally confirm their participation within the deadline set by the global cricket body.

Earlier in the week, Bangladesh had requested that their matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-hosts under the hybrid model. The request was rejected, following which the ICC gave Bangladesh 24 hours to either confirm travel plans or face replacement.

ICC decision conveyed after deadline lapse

According to sources, senior ICC officials were present in Dubai on Friday when the decision was finalised. An email was later sent to Bangladesh Cricket Board chairman Aminul Islam Bulbul, informing him that the board had been replaced after failing to respond officially within the stipulated time.

An ICC source said the Bangladesh board did not communicate its decision directly to the governing body before addressing the media in Dhaka, which was cited as a breach of protocol.

Bangladesh’s Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul had earlier advised the team against travelling to India, raising security concerns despite assurances from the ICC.

Scotland await formal confirmation

While Cricket Scotland has said it has not yet received official communication, sources indicate that Scotland will participate in the tournament in Bangladesh’s place.

Scotland are scheduled to play their group-stage matches against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 in Kolkata, followed by a fixture against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan delivered a timely reminder of his explosive ability, producing a match-winning 76 off just 32 balls against New Zealand in the second T20I on Friday. The knock marked a strong response after a modest outing in the series opener and came at a crucial time as India fine-tune combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Backed by the selectors for a top-order role ahead of Shubman Gill, Kishan admitted that doubts crossed his mind when he walked in to bat during the Raipur encounter. However, the left-hander said he was clear about one thing — trusting himself and playing his natural game.

“I asked myself one question, can I do it again or not? And I had a very clear answer. I felt I could bat through the innings and play good shots. I just needed to get runs somewhere to answer my questions,” Kishan said after the match.

He added that the focus was not on the outcome but on playing positive cricket. “Even if I got out, I just wanted to play good cricket. That was it,” he said.

Kishan also benefited from batting alongside India captain Suryakumar Yadav, with whom he shares a long association from their time together in the Indian Premier League. The partnership helped India maintain momentum as Kishan attacked the New Zealand bowling from the outset.

Reflecting on his return to the national side, Kishan credited his domestic performances for restoring confidence. He said scoring consistently at that level played a key role in helping him carry form into international cricket.

“Sometimes it’s important to do it for yourself — to answer your own questions about how you’re batting and whether you’re capable of playing for India. That’s why domestic cricket was important for me,” he said.

With three matches still remaining in the T20I series against New Zealand, Kishan stressed that the job is far from finished, both for him and the team, as India look to build rhythm and consistency going forward.