Bhubaneswar: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka, after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declined to send its team to India citing security concerns.
According to sources, the decision followed nearly three weeks of discussions between the ICC, the BCB, and host authorities. Multiple security assessments were conducted during this period, with officials reportedly finding no specific threats to the Bangladesh team. Despite this, the BCB maintained its position and refused to participate in matches scheduled in India.
As a result, the ICC confirmed Scotland’s inclusion in the tournament. Ranked 14th globally and the highest-placed team to narrowly miss direct qualification, Scotland will now compete in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal. Scotland are set to begin their campaign against West Indies on February 7.
The development has sparked debate within the cricketing community. Former international players, including Jason Gillespie and Shahid Afridi, have questioned the ICC’s handling of the situation, raising concerns about consistency in tournament governance and decision-making. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Pakistan is also closely monitoring the situation, with discussions ongoing about participation amid expressions of solidarity with Bangladesh.
The ICC has reiterated its commitment to conducting the tournament as scheduled, while emphasizing that decisions were taken in accordance with tournament regulations and logistical considerations. The replacement marks a significant moment for Scotland, offering the team an opportunity to compete on the global stage against top-tier opposition.
-OdishaAge
