New Delhi: Scotland’s cricket team is set to replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, according to officials close to the matter. The Bangladesh government had clearly stated on Thursday that their team would not participate in the tournament if their matches were not shifted out of India.
An ICC source revealed that this decision follows Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) firm stance against playing in India. The governing body is expected to confirm the change officially soon. The upcoming World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 7.
The ICC source added on Saturday, “Since the ICC issued a statement earlier this week and the Bangladesh Cricket Board remains adamant about not travelling to India, Scotland is prepared to take Bangladesh’s place in the T20 World Cup. Official confirmation is expected shortly.”
The BCB had earlier informed the ICC that due to worsening political relations and security concerns, their team would not travel to India for the World Cup matches. They requested that their fixtures be moved to Sri Lanka instead.
This development comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh’s fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026 amid the ongoing political tensions between the two nations. However, the ICC reiterated that the T20 World Cup would proceed as planned, with Bangladesh’s matches scheduled in India.
The ICC had given BCB a 24-hour deadline to confirm their participation as per the tournament schedule, but Bangladesh maintained its refusal.
Scotland, being the highest-ranked team among those not qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026, is the primary candidate to replace Bangladesh, who remain firm on their decision not to travel to India.
If Scotland replaces Bangladesh, they will be placed in Group C during the initial phase. Bangladesh was originally set to play against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, with all matches scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Scotland would play their final group stage match against Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.
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