The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially confirmed that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following Bangladesh’s refusal to participate under the existing schedule.
Bangladesh had raised objections over playing matches in India, requesting a venue shift. The ICC conducted extensive consultations with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over three weeks, including security briefings and independent assessments, which found no credible threat.
Also Read: Venue rift rocks T20 World Cup as Scotland replaces Bangladesh
Despite repeated assurances and a final 24-hour deadline, the BCB failed to confirm participation. As a result, the ICC invoked its governance framework and selected Scotland, ranked 14th in T20I rankings, as the replacement team.
Scotland will now compete in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal, with matches scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026. The ICC said the move was necessary to protect the tournament’s integrity.
The updated fixtures list for the Men’s #T20WorldCup 2026 📋
— ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2026
More details ➡️ https://t.co/M61nOzx2fF pic.twitter.com/deynITDuV3
Reacting to the decision, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi termed the treatment of Bangladesh “unfair” and said Pakistan’s participation would depend on government guidance, adding that multiple contingency plans are in place.
The development has sparked debate over venue politics, security concerns, and fairness in global cricket governance.
