icc-replaces-bangladesh-with-scotland-in-2026-t20-world-cup

Scotland has been confirmed as Bangladesh’s replacement in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to let its team travel to India, citing security concerns. The tournament begins on February 7.

 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) described the decision as “difficult” but necessary, noting that BCB’s request to shift its matches to Sri Lanka could not be accommodated so close to the event. ICC chairman Jay Shah and other officials informed BCB chairman Aminul Islam Bulbul of the decision via e-mail on Friday.

 

“The ICC’s assessments concluded there was no credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh team, officials, or supporters in India. In light of these findings, and after careful consideration of the broader implications, it was not appropriate to amend the published schedule,” the ICC stated.

 

BCB had sought a swap of its group with Ireland’s and approached the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), unaware that the committee cannot hear appeals against Board decisions. Despite assurances, BCB’s advisor Asif Nazrul reportedly issued a diktat barring the team from travelling. Meetings between players and officials were one-sided, with players reportedly overruled.

Also read: ICC unlikely to hear Bangladesh appeal on World Cup venue shift

 

Scotland, ranked 14th in T20I standings, will join Group C alongside England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies. Their matches are scheduled as follows: West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, England on February 14 in Kolkata, and Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.

 

The BCB stands to lose significant revenue, including the USD 500,000 participation fee and its share of ICC annual revenue, approximately USD 27 million (₹330 crore), which constitutes around 60 percent of its annual budget. Sponsorship losses and the cancellation of India bilateral tours to Bangladesh will further hit finances. The only remaining legal recourse is an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, though the tournament will proceed without Bangladesh.

 

Scotland, who have featured in five T20 World Cups, were chosen as replacements based on ICC rankings. They last appeared in the tournament in 2022 and 2024, narrowly missing out on the Super 8 stage despite competitive performances.