WCA raises concern over Bangladesh’s exit from T20 World Cup

The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has described Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as “concerning and damaging” for international cricket, saying the development reflects long-standing structural weaknesses in the global governance of the sport.

In a statement, the WCA said the absence of a Full Member nation with a large supporter base like Bangladesh from the sport’s premier T20 tournament sets an unfortunate precedent.

WCA chief executive Tom Moffat said Bangladesh’s exclusion has left a major gap in international T20 cricket. “The withdrawal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup means one of the game’s important nations will be missing from its biggest stage. This is a deeply disappointing moment for the sport, for Bangladeshi players and for millions of fans,” he said.

Moffat said the issue requires serious reflection and urged cricket authorities to focus on unity rather than division. “We want cricket’s leaders to work collectively with governing bodies, leagues, players and all stakeholders. This is not a time for exclusion or fragmentation, but for collaboration,” he added.

The WCA said the Bangladesh situation has once again highlighted underlying structural problems within the sport. Moffat noted that the association has long raised concerns about the failure to properly honour agreements and the lack of meaningful consultation with players and their representatives in major decision-making processes.

Citing Bangladesh as an example, he said the episode has exposed serious limitations in the current model of global cricket governance. “If these issues continue to be ignored, trust in the system, unity within the game and the future of cricket itself will be put at risk,” Moffat warned.

Bangladesh’s withdrawal has triggered widespread debate across the cricketing world, with former players, analysts and fans questioning decision-making processes within the ICC, the balance of power between member boards and the growing influence of commercial interests.

Many have also expressed concern that, despite years of investment and development, Bangladeshi players will now miss out on the biggest stage in T20 cricket.

The ICC has yet to issue a detailed official response to the WCA’s comments. However, the episode has intensified calls for greater transparency, inclusive governance and stronger player representation in international cricket decision-making.