ISLAMABAD: Former Australia all-rounder Jason Gillespie faced online abuse after questioning the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to exclude Bangladesh from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Gillespie had asked why Bangladesh were not allowed to play their matches outside India, similar to previous arrangements for India, but later deleted his social media post following the abuse.
Gillespie, 50, took to the social media platform X to seek clarity over why Bangladesh were not permitted to play their matches outside India, drawing comparisons with past ICC arrangements.
“From memory, India refused to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, and they were allowed to play those games outside of Pakistan. Can someone make this make sense?” Gillespie wrote in a now-deleted post.
Following backlash, Gillespie explained the deletion to fans, saying: “Because I got abused for asking a simple question, that’s why.”
He added in another post: “There was a reason I got off Twitter (now X) years ago. So much anger and negativity. You ask a question and get absolutely slammed. Not sure how long I can stay on here.”
Jason Gillespie deleted his post on X today in which he questioned the ICC for not allowing Bangladesh to play outside India. 😯🤔 Why @dizzy259 ? pic.twitter.com/WyA4Qwdhmr
— CricFollow (@CricFollow56) January 25, 2026
There was a reason I got off Twitter (now X) years ago.
So much anger and negativity.
You ask a question and get absolutely slammed. 🤷🏽♂️
Not sure how long I can stay on here. ☹️@stillnotoutpod @BowlingCartel— Jason Gillespie (@dizzy259) January 25, 2026
Bangladesh replaced by Scotland
On January 24, the ICC confirmed that Scotland will replace Bangladesh at the T20 World Cup, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
The ICC cited the rejection of Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to move matches from India to Sri Lanka, stating there was no credible security threat.
Scotland is set to begin their campaign against the West Indies on February 7 in Kolkata, followed by games against Italy on February 9 and England on February 14.
The updated fixtures list for the Men’s #T20WorldCup 2026 📋
More details ➡️ https://t.co/M61nOzx2fF pic.twitter.com/deynITDuV3
— ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2026
Their final Group C fixture against Nepal will be held in Mumbai on February 17.
World Cricketers’ Association condemns ICC
The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) called Bangladesh’s exclusion a “sad moment for the sport” and urged cricket leaders to work towards unity rather than division.
“The withdrawal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup, and the resulting absence of a valued cricketing nation from cricket’s pinnacle international T20 event, is a sad moment for our sport, the Bangladesh players and fans, and one that requires deep reflection,” WCA Chief Executive Tom Moffat said.
He also criticised the ICC’s lack of consultation with players, highlighting “significant issues with the game’s existing operating model at global level.”
Moffat warned that such practices, if left unaddressed, “will weaken trust, unity, and ultimately the health and future of the game we love.”
WCA Statement on Withdrawal of Bangladesh from Men’s T20 World Cup
▶️ https://t.co/4cz7bF1Ef3 pic.twitter.com/BmFgS2K7R4
— World Cricketers' Association (@WCA_Players) January 24, 2026
Player voices and calls for fairness
Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi expressed disappointment over what he described as “inconsistency” by the ICC.
“It accepted India’s security concerns for not touring Pakistan in 2025, yet appears unwilling to apply the same understanding to Bangladesh,” Afridi said on X.
He added that fairness and consistency are the “foundation of global cricket governance” and that Bangladesh’s players and fans deserved respect.
As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I’m deeply disappointed by today's ICC’s inconsistency. It accepted India’s security concerns for not touring Pakistan in 2025, yet appears unwilling to apply the same understanding to Bangladesh.…
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) January 24, 2026
Former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousaf echoed these sentiments, saying: “Very sad to see a cricket-loving nation like Bangladesh being deprived of cricket due to security concerns not being addressed. Standards cannot change from country to country. ICC must act as the International Cricket Council, not appear to serve the interests of any single board.”
Very sad to see a cricket-loving nation like Bangladesh being deprived of cricket due to security concerns not being addressed.
When similar concerns were raised earlier, a neutral venue was approved. Standards cannot change from country to country.
ICC must act as the…— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) January 25, 2026
South Asian Cricket tensions
Bangladesh’s withdrawal follows heightened tensions in South Asian cricket.
India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy prompted the ICC to arrange neutral venues, allowing Pakistan to play all matches in Dubai.
For the upcoming T20 World Cup, Pakistan are scheduled to play their matches in Sri Lanka, though Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi said participation is pending government approval.
“The prime minister is not in Pakistan right now. When he returns, I’ll be able to give you our final decision,” Naqvi told reporters.
He emphasised that Pakistan would follow government instructions and is prepared for multiple scenarios.
