Former England batter Mark Butcher has backed the ICC’s decision to exclude Bangladesh from the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, calling it a precedent that should guide future ICC tournaments when teams refuse to travel to a host nation.
Bangladesh were removed from the tournament after declining to travel to India due to security concerns and were replaced by Scotland. Following weeks of deliberations, the ICC formally confirmed Bangladesh’s exclusion on 24 January.
Speaking on the Wisden podcast, Butcher said the governing body had reached a moment where a firm, consistent policy was required.
“The ICC had a choice to make at that point: do they do what actually should happen from now on? This is a precedent that I think is worth following — that when a team, whether through their government or off their own bat, has security concerns about visiting a country for a tournament, then basically they should be scrapped and the next cab off the rank qualifies, and you go ahead without them.”
Bangladesh had been scheduled to play group matches against West Indies, Italy and England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, before travelling to Mumbai to face Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium. Scotland were eventually drafted in as replacements, despite having finished below Jersey in the qualification pathway — a point that Butcher questioned.
He acknowledged, however, that cricket history is filled with examples of tournaments being reshaped to accommodate powerful teams.
“There have been a lot of preceding events that have parallels. Obviously, the India Champions Trophy issue with Pakistan and how that ended up being resolved with India playing matches in Dubai, including the final. We’ve had tournaments re-jigged and re-arranged to accommodate one team or another throughout the history of the game.”
The decision comes exactly a year after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which resulted in India’s matches — including the final — being staged at neutral venues. An agreement between the ICC, BCCI and PCB also ensured that all India–Pakistan matches at ICC events between 2024 and 2027 would be played at neutral venues.
Butcher stressed that not all teams operate with the same leverage.
“I’m certainly not being naive enough to think everyone stands in the same position as India, because they don’t — that’s visible from space. Still, the integrity and dignity of sport should matter more than where the money comes from.”
He also raised questions over Pakistan’s stance after indications they might stand by Bangladesh if matches could not be relocated.
“Pakistan are now under criticism because they suggested they would support Bangladesh. So what happens now? Will they withdraw? I doubt it. I think it’s already too late.”
Describing the situation as “ugly”, Butcher concluded that clarity is essential going forward.
“If, for whatever reason, you are the problem — whether it’s the tournament, the host country or the organisers — the decision is yours. Either you go and play, putting security measures in place as many countries do, or you step aside and someone else takes your place. I believe that’s the only fair way forward.”
