Bangladesh Out, Scotland In for T20 World Cup 2026

New Delhi, Jan 24: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the upcoming T20 World Cup after Bangladesh declined to travel to India, citing security concerns following Mustafizur Rahman’s ouster from the IPL. Senior ICC officials, including Chairman Jay Shah, were in Dubai on Friday when an email was sent to BCB Chairman Aminul Islam Bulbul, notifying the board of the decision. “The BCB did a press conference in Dhaka before officially responding to ICC, which violated protocol. They have been categorically told that they are being replaced,” an ICC source said.

Bangladesh’s Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul had advised against travelling to India despite repeated ICC assurances. Cricket Scotland has stated that it has not yet received official confirmation but is expected to be informed soon.

Scotland is slated to play four group league matches: against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 in Kolkata, followed by a match against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17. (Agencies)