New Delhi: The International Cricket Council has officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following Bangladesh’s refusal to play its scheduled matches in India over security concerns.
The decision brings a dramatic end to weeks of uncertainty after the Bangladesh Cricket Board declined to participate under the tournament’s confirmed schedule. The T20 World Cup begins on February 7, 2026, with India set to host several group matches, including those originally allotted to Bangladesh in Mumbai and Kolkata.
Bangladesh had approached the ICC earlier, requesting a relocation of its matches from India, citing safety concerns. However, after multiple rounds of discussions, the ICC stood firm, stating that extensive internal and independent security assessments found no credible threat to the Bangladesh team, officials, or supporters.
The governing body made it clear that Bangladesh would either have to play in India as scheduled or risk forfeiting its participation. With neither side willing to back down, Bangladesh ultimately chose to withdraw from the tournament.
The ICC has announced that Scotland will replace Bangladesh at the #T20WorldCup.
Details 📲 https://t.co/M61nOzx2fF
— ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2026
The standoff intensified following the release of left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The move, reportedly carried out on the directives of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, further strained relations between the BCB and Indian cricket authorities.
Soon after, Bangladesh adopted a hard stance against traveling to India for the World Cup, a position that eventually led to their exclusion from the event. Scotland has now been drafted in as Bangladesh’s replacement and will compete in Group C alongside England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies. Despite finishing behind Italy, the Netherlands, and Jersey in the European qualifiers, Scotland earned the spot based on ICC rankings.
This will be Scotland’s sixth appearance at a T20 World Cup, having featured in the 2007, 2009, 2016, 2021, and 2024 editions. The team is still searching for a breakthrough run, having failed to progress deep into the tournament in recent editions.
Scotland will open their campaign against the West Indies on February 7. They will then face Italy on February 9, followed by a high-profile clash against England on February 14 in Kolkata. Their final group match will be against Nepal in Mumbai.
