World cricket is facing a big controversy just before the T20 World Cup 2026, and this time, even the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has raised serious concerns. It should have been an exciting build-up to the tournament, but it has now turned into a worrying situation for the game.
Bangladesh pulling out of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka has shocked many. Ever since the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Scotland as Bangladesh’s replacement after they refused to travel to India despite several security attempts and no danger to them, fans, experts, and former players have all been giving different opinions.
Bangladeshi players pay the price for BCB-ICC decisions
Some feel the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) created problems themselves, while others believe that they were not treated fairly and that the rules were not the same for everyone. But one thing is clear: the people who are suffering the most are the Bangladeshi players.
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They worked hard, prepared for the T20 World Cup 2026, and earned their place in the team. Now, because of decisions taken by ICC officials, cricket boards, and governments, they have lost the chance to play in one of the biggest tournaments of their careers. The players had no role in the arguments or politics, yet they are the ones paying the price.
World Cricketers’ Association slams ICC over handling of T20 World Cup 2026 crisis
Reacting to the controversy, the World Cricketers’ Association came forward to support the Bangladesh cricket team. They pointed out that the ICC and the BCB failed to find a solution that could protect the players, and this is a sad moment for both the game and the fans.
The WCA CEO Tom Moffat stated, “The withdrawal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup, and the 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.”
It is being said that the ICC gave Bangladesh a very tough choice: to follow the finalised schedule without any changes or stay out of the tournament. However, the BCB raised concerns just weeks before the showpiece event that made things difficult to manage at such a late stage.
Read Also: Pakistan to withdraw from T20 World Cup 2026 despite squad announcement, confirms Aaqib Javed
Power struggles and unequal treatment raise bigger questions for World Cricket
The WCA felt the BCB didn’t get equal treatment, and it could seriously harm the future of the game. Moffat added, “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.”
This controversy has also exposed deeper cracks in international cricket, especially in the subcontinent, where the political tensions, power struggles, and unequal influence have already affected tournaments in recent years, involving India and Pakistan.
The World Cricketers’ Association feels this trend is a serious threat to unity, trust, and the long-term health of the game. Moffat signed off by saying, “It also highlights significant issues with the game’s existing operating model at a 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.”
