ICC Set To Replace Bangladesh With Scotland for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Amidst Venue Dispute: Report
The International Cricket Council has officially announced Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, following Bangladesh's refusal to play matches in India due to security concerns.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is all set to officially confirm that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the Men's T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March. This significant alteration to the tournament lineup comes after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) maintained its refusal to participate in matches scheduled for India, citing unresolved security concerns. The decision marks a dramatic turn in the lead-up to the global cricketing event, elevating Scotland into the prestigious competition.T20 World Cup 2026: ICC Chairman Jay Shah Set To Take Strict Action If Bangladesh Refuses to Visit India.
Bangladesh's Stance and ICC's Rejection
The controversy stems from Bangladesh's persistent demand to have its World Cup group matches moved from India to co-host Sri Lanka. The BCB's stance was reportedly influenced by security worries, which they linked to an incident involving one of its players in a domestic league, and broader political tensions. However, the ICC firmly rejected this request, stating that independent security assessments found no credible threat to players or officials at the Indian venues. The global governing body also deemed it unfeasible to alter the schedule so close to the tournament, which begins in just two weeks. Despite an ultimatum from the ICC and subsequent appeals to its Dispute Resolution Committee, the BCB remained steadfast in its decision not to travel to India, leading to their eventual replacement. Bangladesh Set to Boycott ICC T20 World Cup 2026, BCB Refuses To Travel To India For Marquee Event.
Scotland's Unexpected Opportunity
Scotland, which had narrowly missed direct qualification through the European Qualifiers, now steps into the tournament as the highest-ranked non-qualified team. This unexpected opportunity places them in Group C, where they are scheduled to face West Indies on 7 February, Italy on 9 February, and England on 14 February, with these matches taking place in Kolkata. They will then travel to Mumbai to play Nepal on 17 February. This will not be Scotland's first experience as a replacement team in an ICC event, having previously filled in for Zimbabwe in the 2009 T20 World Cup due to political issues.
Implications and Future Outlook
The withdrawal carries significant implications for Bangladesh, with reports suggesting the BCB could face substantial financial losses, potentially amounting to approximately 60 per cent of their annual income. The situation has also reportedly caused dissatisfaction among some Bangladeshi players, who were allegedly not consulted in the decision-making process. For Scotland, this inclusion offers a valuable platform on the global stage, providing crucial exposure and experience for their squad, led by Captain Richie Berrington. The dramatic turn of events underscores the complexities of international cricket governance and the challenges faced when geopolitical considerations intersect with sporting commitments.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 24, 2026 04:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).