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Scotland to Replace Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2026 Amid Political Tensions

Scotland is poised to replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board maintained its refusal to travel to India due to security concerns. The ICC has proceeded with the original schedule, rejecting Bangladesh's request to move matches to Sri Lanka. This follows broader political tensions, including the BCCI directing an IPL team to release a Bangladeshi player. Scotland, as the highest-ranked non-qualifier, will now compete in Group C, facing teams like West Indies and England.

Key Points: Scotland Replaces Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2026

  • Bangladesh refuses India travel over security
  • ICC proceeds with schedule unchanged
  • Scotland is top-ranked non-qualifier
  • BCB given 24-hour final deadline
  • Scotland placed in Group C with West Indies, England
2 min read

Scotland set to replace Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2026: ICC sources

ICC sources confirm Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the 2026 T20 World Cup after BCB refuses to travel to India due to security concerns.

"Scotland is set to replace Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup. An official confirmation is expected very soon. - ICC sources"

New Delhi, Jan 24

Scotland's cricket team is all set to replace Bangladesh in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.

A source close to the development told IANS that ICC has reached this decision after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remained firm on its stance of not traveling to India. The official confirmation from the governing body will come soon.

'Since the ICC released its statement earlier this week and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) appears adamant about not travelling to India, Scotland is set to replace Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup. An official confirmation is expected very soon," ICC sources told IANS on Saturday.

Bangladesh earlier informed the ICC that they would not travel to India due to security concerns amid deteriorating relations between the two nations and requested that their matches be relocated to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC reiterated that the T20 World Cup will proceed as per schedule, with Bangladesh's matches to be played in India.

This follows the BCCI's direction to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 amid prevailing political tensions between the two countries.

ICC also gave a 24-hour deadline to BCB for conveying its final decision on playing the tournament as planned.

Scotland is the top-ranked team not to have qualified for the global event and is the first option to replace Bangladesh after the country decided to stick to its position of not travelling to India, even after a vote on this issue yielded a 14-2 verdict against them in the ICC.

Scotland will now be placed in Group C in the preliminary stage of the tournament. They will play against the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 in Kolkata. Scotland will play its final group stage game in Mumbai against Nepal on February 17.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Mixed feelings. On one hand, it's sad a full member nation is missing out. On the other, fantastic opportunity for Scotland! Hope they make the most of it. The security concerns seem overblown though, India hosts mega events flawlessly.
A
Aman W
BCB's loss is Scotland's gain. Simple. You can't pick and choose venues in a World Cup. 14-2 vote says it all. Looking forward to seeing the Scottish team in Kolkata and Mumbai!
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Sarah B
As a cricket lover living in India, I'm disappointed. Political issues shouldn't overshadow sport. Bangladeshi players are always welcomed here by fans. Hope this stance changes for future series.
V
Vikram M
Good decision by ICC. You can't have a precedent where teams refuse to travel. Scotland is a exciting team, will add a new flavour to the tournament. Their match against England will be interesting!
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the ICC could have shown more flexibility initially. Relocating a couple of matches to Sri Lanka, a co-host, might have been a workable compromise. Now the tournament loses a competitive Asian side.

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