Scotland has responded to media speculation about potentially replacing Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2026, with reports indicating that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has not held any discussions with Cricket Scotland regarding such a move. The clarification comes amid an ongoing controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament, which is scheduled to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
According to a report by the BBC, the ICC has not contacted Cricket Scotland about stepping in as a replacement for Bangladesh. Scottish cricket officials have also made it clear that they do not intend to initiate any talks with the global governing body, citing respect for their counterparts at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Scotland are currently the highest-ranked team not qualified for the tournament, making them the most likely replacement should a vacancy arise.
The uncertainty stems from Bangladesh’s request to the ICC to relocate their group-stage matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. Media reports have claimed that the ICC has asked the BCB to confirm its participation by January 21, warning that refusal to travel to India could result in Bangladesh being replaced in the competition.
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An ICC source was quoted as saying that Bangladesh has been informed of the deadline and the potential consequences of non-participation. The situation was further complicated after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the 2026 Indian Premier League on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s instructions, reportedly due to unspecified developments, triggering a wider diplomatic and administrative standoff.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has since reiterated that its national team will not travel to India for scheduled group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, citing security and national considerations. However, the ICC has been reluctant to alter the tournament schedule, noting that match venues were finalised well in advance under mutually agreed hosting arrangements until 2027.
While historical precedent exists — Scotland replaced Zimbabwe in the 2009 T20 World Cup after Zimbabwe withdrew for political reasons — no formal decision has been taken in the current case. With the deadline approaching, the ICC is yet to announce a resolution, leaving Bangladesh’s participation and Scotland’s potential inclusion uncertain.
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