The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has expressed deep concern over Bangladesh's exclusion from the 2026 T20 World Cup, describing the absence of a major cricketing nation from the global showpiece as a “sad moment” for the sport.
In a statement issued on Sunday, WCA Chief Executive Tom Moffat threw his weight behind the Bangladeshi players, warning that the incident highlights serious fractures in the governance of global cricket.
“The withdrawal of Bangladesh... is a sad moment for our game, for the players of Bangladesh, and their fans. It requires deep reflection,” Moffat said.
However, the statement was conspicuously vague regarding the root cause of the crisis. Surprisingly, the text missed the specific context of Bangladesh's request for safe venues amidst growing concerns regarding the safety of Bangladeshi nationals on Indian soil.
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While the WCA advocated for “fair conditions,” it stopped short of addressing the environment in India that led the BCB to withdraw.
Instead, the WCA focused on broader systemic issues.
The body noted “worrying trends” in the sport, including contract violations, eroding rights, and a lack of meaningful dialogue with players.
“These issues suggest a disregard for people that should not exist in cricket,” the statement read, warning that if these governance flaws remain unaddressed, the unity and future health of the game are at risk.
The WCA concluded by pledging its continued support to the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) and urged cricket’s leaders to prioritize collective interests over division.