The financial implications of Bangladesh's withdrawal from the T20 World Cup 2026 are substantial, primarily affecting the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The decision to withdraw, based on security concerns regarding playing matches in India, has triggered a series of financial setbacks for the BCB. Scotland has been named as Bangladesh's replacement in the tournament.
Loss of ICC Revenue
The most significant financial blow comes from the potential loss of annual revenue share from the International Cricket Council (ICC). This share is estimated to be around $27 million (approximately 330 crore BDT), constituting a substantial portion (around 60%) of the BCB's yearly budget. By not participating in the T20 World Cup, the BCB risks forfeiting this considerable sum. Some reports estimate the potential loss to be between $20-25 million.
The BCB's primary source of income is the ICC, which distributes a share of its global earnings among member boards. Participation in ICC global events brings additional income, including a fixed participation fee and prize money linked to performance.
Forfeited Participation Fee and Prize Money
In addition to the annual revenue share, the BCB will also miss out on the USD 500,000 participation fee that each team receives for playing in the tournament. Further, any potential prize money earned through performance in the tournament is now unattainable. Participating in the T20 World Cup would have earned Bangladesh around Bangladeshi Taka 4 crore (roughly $300,000), and a finish among the top 12 teams would have raised that amount to over Bangladeshi Taka 5.5 crore (around $450,000).
Impact on Broadcast and Sponsorship Revenue
A significant market with 200 million viewers, Bangladesh's absence from the tournament will also negatively impact broadcast and sponsorship revenues. With the "blackout" of the team, sponsors who paid for T20 World Cup visibility in the region may reconsider or terminate their endorsement deals with Bangladeshi players. The board's income for the financial year could drop by nearly 60 percent or more.
Potential Loss of Bilateral Series
The repercussions extend beyond the T20 World Cup itself. There is a possibility that India may not tour Bangladesh for a bilateral series in August–September, a series which holds television rights considered equal to at least 10 bilateral matches against other teams. This would further exacerbate the BCB's financial woes.
Long-Term Implications
The financial strain caused by this withdrawal could have long-term consequences for Bangladesh cricket. Reduced revenue may impact investment in infrastructure, player development, and other crucial aspects of the game. There is also concern that Bangladesh may breach ICC participation requirements, potentially risking a large portion of ICC-linked revenue in the process. Moreover, strained relations with India may also cast a shadow over the 2031 ODI World Cup, which the two nations are scheduled to co-host.
BCB's Response
The BCB made attempts to have their matches moved to Sri Lanka, but the ICC rejected these requests. The BCB also approached the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), but the move was unsuccessful. After the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland, BCB media committee chairman Amjad Hossain stated that the board had tried its best but acknowledged there was nothing more they could do.
