In a dramatic twist to the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Scotland has stepped in to replace Bangladesh following intense security concerns raised by the latter. The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially confirmed this decision on Saturday, marking a significant shift in the tournament’s landscape.
Scotland, ranked as the next highest eligible team after missing direct qualification, will now compete in Group C alongside powerhouses England, Italy, Nepal, and West Indies. This replacement comes after Bangladesh requested to shift their group-stage matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing safety issues for their players, particularly fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was reportedly released from IPL 2026 commitments.
The ICC, however, stood firm after independent security assessments found no credible threats to the Bangladesh team, officials, or supporters in India. With the tournament set to kick off on February 7, logistical constraints made venue changes impractical at this late stage.
Scotland’s schedule is now locked in: they face West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, England on February 14 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, and Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai. This inclusion not only bolsters the group’s competitiveness but also highlights ICC’s commitment to governance and qualification protocols.
The decision followed weeks of transparent discussions between ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), including video conferences and in-person meetings in Dubai on Friday, chaired by ICC Chairman Jay Shah. Detailed security plans were shared, covering federal and state arrangements, yet BCB’s concerns persisted.
Ultimately, after a Wednesday meeting, BCB was given 24 hours to confirm participation. Their withdrawal paved the way for Scotland, ensuring the event proceeds as scheduled without disruptions. Cricket fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement over this unexpected matchup, promising thrilling encounters in the T20 spectacle.
