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  Voter Turnout Likely to Exceed 55pc, Says Touhid Hossain Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has expressed optimism that voter turnout in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for 12 February, will exceed 55 percent. He made the remarks on Sunday while responding to journalists’ questions at the closing session of an election-focused training workshop in Dhaka. The two-day programme was organised for members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association Bangladesh (DCAB) with support from the Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI). Asked whether the government could hold the election smoothly amid reports that Awami League leaders based in India were campaigning for a ‘No’ vote in the referendum, Touhid Hossain said many were advocating ‘No’ without fully understanding the issue. He reiterated that the government wants the ‘Yes’ vote to succeed. He said the government has spent more than a year preparing reform proposals through various commissions and i...
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ICC T20 World Cup: What Bangladesh Stands to Lose Financially

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ICC T20 World Cup: What Bangladesh Stands to Lose Financially

Bangladesh’s position on the ICC T20 World Cup remains unchanged. If co-host India does not shift the matches to another venue, Bangladesh will not participate due to security concerns—a decision the government says is final.

After a meeting with the World Cup squad at Hotel Intercontinental on Wednesday, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said, “There is no possibility of changing our decision.”

This stance comes despite the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirming it will not alter the venue. Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India raises serious concerns about the financial impact on the country’s cricket ecosystem.

BCB’s Main Sources of Income

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) earns revenue from ticket sales, broadcasting rights, advertising, and sponsorships. However, its primary source of income is the ICC. According to BCB President Aminul Islam, around 55–60 percent of the board’s annual revenue comes from ICC distributions.

In addition to its annual revenue share, ICC also provides payments to teams participating in global tournaments across all three formats. These include a fixed participation fee and additional earnings based on performance. If Bangladesh does not take part in the T20 World Cup, it will forfeit all income from these sources.

Estimated Financial Loss

According to Indian news agency PTI, Bangladesh cricket stands to lose approximately $2.7 million (more than Tk 3.30 billion) by missing the T20 World Cup. This amount represents Bangladesh’s estimated share—about 4.46 percent—of ICC’s annual revenue.

Failure to participate would also place Bangladesh in violation of ICC participation regulations, potentially putting a significant portion of its ICC revenue share at risk, as tournament participation and revenue distribution are closely linked.

Beyond ICC funds, Bangladesh cricket would suffer major losses in broadcasting and sponsorship income. Combined, these setbacks could cost BCB nearly 60 percent of its annual earnings.

Teams receive $300,000 (around Tk 36.6 million) simply for participating in the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh would miss out on this amount, along with prize money available at various stages of the tournament. Players would also lose individual income opportunities, including match fees, performance bonuses, and prize money.

Impact on Broadcasters and Advertisers

T20 is currently the most popular format in cricket, and the T20 World Cup attracts massive global viewership. Bangladesh’s absence would significantly affect the local broadcasting market.

According to Indian media outlet RevSports, Bangladesh’s official broadcaster for the tournament, T Sports, could incur losses of around Tk 3 billion. Advertising firms may lose nearly Tk 1 billion. Bangladesh matches typically draw strong television audiences across the subcontinent, and non-participation could sharply reduce advertiser and sponsor interest.

The ICC has reportedly increased prize money by 20 percent compared to the 2024 T20 World Cup, further amplifying the financial loss. Teams earn $31,154 for each win in the group stage and Super Eight, while those finishing between fifth and twelfth receive around $4,500 each. Semifinalists earn $960,000, runners-up receive $1.6 million, and champions take home $3 million.

Media reports also suggest that if Bangladesh fails to provide an acceptable explanation for its absence, BCB could face a fine of about $200,000 (approximately Tk 24.46 million).

Long-Term Financial Risks

Bangladesh is scheduled to host India for three ODIs and three T20Is in September. If strained relations lead to the cancellation of the series, BCB would lose another major revenue opportunity, as matches against India generate exceptional interest from broadcasters and sponsors.

Refusing to play the T20 World Cup in India could further strain relations, increasing the risk that future tours by India may not take place. Financially, series against India are far more lucrative than bilateral series against most other nations.

Under ICC’s current revenue-sharing model, BCB is set to receive Tk 3.27 billion annually during the 2024–2027 cycle. Continued non-compliance could lead the ICC to reduce Bangladesh’s allocation in the next cycle starting in 2028. There is also the possibility of Bangladesh losing representation on ICC committees and facing restrictions on voting rights.

Cricketing Consequences

Beyond financial losses, there are cricketing implications as well. Missing the T20 World Cup could cost Bangladesh automatic qualification for the next edition, forcing the team to go through a qualifying round to reach the main tournament.


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