DUBAI (PASAR NEWS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that Scotland would replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The action comes after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to participate in the event based on the published fixture schedule. Scotland, now rated 14th in the T20I rankings, will join Group C with England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies, replacing Bangladesh, who had previously qualified for the game.
The ICC stated that the decision was made following a thorough assessment process that included many rounds of consultation with the BCB over the course of more than three weeks. The board had both video and in-person sessions to discuss Bangladesh’s reservations about playing matches in India. Independent security evaluations conducted by internal and external specialists revealed no genuine danger to the Bangladesh squad, officials, or fans. The ICC also presented extensive operational and security plans with the BCB, which were reinforced multiple times, including during talks with the ICC Business Corporation Board.
After a last 24-hour deadline for Bangladesh to confirm their participation, the ICC got no answer. As a result, the governing body used established governance and qualifying procedures to choose a successor team. Scotland, who had just lost out on T20 World Cup qualifying, were regarded the best option given on their previous ICC performances and current worldwide position. The squad has previously surprised cricket fans by beating Bangladesh in the 2021 T20 World Cup and finishing third in Group B in the 2024 edition.
Scotland’s participation means that the tournament’s schedule stays unchanged, with matches beginning on February 7. Scotland will now face England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies in Group C matches, providing the European team with a valuable opportunity to display their ability on a global scale. The ICC stated that the decision was made to respect the tournament’s integrity and set qualification procedures.