DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially confirmed that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declined to participate under the announced match schedule.
According to the ICC, Bangladesh’s decision followed prolonged concerns over playing matches in India. Despite extensive engagement spanning more than three weeks — including virtual and in-person meetings — the BCB remained unwilling to confirm its participation. Independent security evaluations conducted by both internal and external experts found no credible security threats to the Bangladesh team, officials, or fans.
The ICC stated that detailed security and operational plans were repeatedly shared with the BCB, including discussions at the ICC Business Corporation Board level. However, after issuing a final 24-hour deadline and receiving no response, the ICC proceeded in line with its governance framework to identify a replacement team.
Scotland, currently ranked 14th in the ICC T20I rankings, has now been placed in Group C alongside England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies. The European side earned the spot due to strong recent performances in ICC events, narrowly missing direct qualification. Scotland previously shocked Bangladesh in the 2021 T20 World Cup and finished third in Group B during the 2024 edition, strengthening their case for inclusion.
The ICC emphasized that the decision was taken to protect the integrity of the tournament and ensure the competition proceeds as scheduled. The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, 2026, with no changes to the match calendar.
PCB Raises Concerns, Awaits Government Direction
Reacting to the development, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi described the situation as unfair and cautioned against what he termed “double standards.” Speaking to media in Lahore, Naqvi said Pakistan’s response would be guided strictly by government instructions, stressing that no country should impose its will on another.
He added that the PCB has prepared multiple contingency plans and that a final decision regarding Pakistan’s participation in the tournament will be made after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s return. Naqvi reaffirmed that the PCB is fully prepared for all possible outcomes.