The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a clarification regarding the denial of accreditation and travel permits to several Bangladeshi journalists who had applied to cover the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. According to the ICC, the decision was not arbitrary but was linked to visa-related issues that remained unresolved within the required timelines.
An ICC spokesperson stated that the journalists “have not been given visas,” which automatically prevented the governing body from issuing final media permits. The ICC stressed that accreditation is contingent upon successful visa clearance, and without confirmation from host nation authorities, applications cannot be approved.
Visa Process and Host Nation Coordination
The ICC explained that while media accreditation requests were submitted, the process requires close coordination with the host country’s government, immigration authorities, and local organizing committees. In this case, delays in visa approvals meant the journalists could not fulfill mandatory travel and documentation requirements.
The ICC reiterated that it follows a “standardized and transparent accreditation process” for all member nations and media outlets, adding that no country or board is treated differently. The governing body emphasized that the responsibility for visa issuance lies with the host nation and not the ICC, making it clear that the denial of permits was a procedural outcome rather than a targeted restriction.
Context of Broader Bangladesh-ICC Tensions
The issue of journalist access has emerged against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the ICC over participation and logistical concerns related to the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh had earlier raised questions about security arrangements and venue allocations, leading to intense discussions during ICC meetings. Reports suggested that emotions ran high during these deliberations, and while the ICC maintained that sporting decisions must remain separate from political or diplomatic considerations, the timing of the permit denial has drawn scrutiny.
However, the ICC maintained that “media accreditation and team participation are separate matters,” and insisted that administrative delays should not be misinterpreted as punitive action. The council added that it remains open to facilitating media access should visa clearances be granted at a later stage, reinforcing its commitment to press freedom and fair coverage across all member nations.
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