Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 27: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has begun reworking the media accreditation process for Bangladeshi journalists seeking to cover the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament citing security concerns.

The move comes after several Bangladesh journalists claimed that their accreditation applications were rejected. ICC sources said the process is being adjusted due to changes in the number of requests and match schedules. “There is a reworking of the process since there is a change in the number of requests and the schedules. The accreditation lists are being worked out accordingly,” sources told.

Around 80 to 90 Bangladeshi journalists had applied for accreditation. Sources clarified that even if Bangladesh had participated, not all applications could have been approved due to country-wise quotas. “If you go by country quota, you can’t exceed the number beyond 40. The ICC goes by the recommendations of the host board and accordingly takes a call on applications,” they added.

In Dhaka, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) media committee chairman Amjad Hossain said the issue has been taken up with the ICC. “The decision came only yesterday and we have sought details. An explanation has been requested,” he said, adding that the matter remains internal and confidential.

A senior Bangladeshi journalist expressed disappointment, saying this was the first time his application had been rejected despite covering several ICC World Cups. He said journalists are awaiting clarity from the BCB before reapplying.

While the ICC maintained that its security assessment found no threat to the Bangladesh team in India, the BCB decided not to travel. Following the withdrawal, Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the tournament, which begins on February 7.