ICC assures no penalty; rather BD To host of an global event between 2028 and 2031

The International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a press release on Monday night, referring to the outcomes of a tripartite meeting involving the world governing body, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), held over the last two days in Lahore.

BCB president Aminul Islam flew to Lahore in the early hours of Sunday to attend the meeting, while other Full Members of the ICC were understood to have joined virtually. The BCB issued a separate press release urging the PCB to backtrack from its stance of not playing against India on February 15.

According to the ICC press release, the ICC, PCB and BCB confirmed that they had concluded an open, constructive and congenial dialogue. The discussions covered several issues, including -- but not limited to -- the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the broader outlook for cricket in South Asia.

While reflecting on the Bangladesh cricket team’s unfortunate absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the global governing body reaffirmed the BCB’s position as a valued Full Member, with a proud cricketing history and a vital role in the growth of the global game. The ICC also reiterated its commitment to facilitating growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans, ensuring that the national team’s non-participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup does not have any long-term impact on cricket in the country.

The key outcomes of the dialogue are as follows:

No penalty or sanction for BCB

It was agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on the Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter. It was also acknowledged that the BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact.

Hosting of an ICC event between 2028 and 2031

As part of the understanding reached, Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the usual ICC hosting processes, timelines and operational requirements.

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said: “Bangladesh’s absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC’s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation. Our focus remains on working closely with key stakeholders, including the BCB, to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened. Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration, and is not defined by short-term disruptions.”