ICC Officially Announces Scotland As Replacement Of Bangladesh In T20 World Cup 2026

Cricket Scotland has replaced Bangladesh Cricket in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and will be travelling to India for the marquee tournament. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made the replacement following the impasse between them and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over travelling to India due to their so-called security concerns.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board had chickened out of travelling to India after the T20 World Cup schedule was officially unveiled, citing security concerns.

Geopolitical tensions between India and Bangladesh have been tense, and cricketing ties also took a deep hit when the BCCI ordered KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman.

Following the Bangladesh government's boycott of the T20 World Cup, the ICC has finally cracked the whip and replaced them with another side.

ICC has issued a statement confirming the development. "The decision follows an extensive process undertaken by the ICC to address concerns raised by the BCB regarding the hosting of its scheduled matches in India," ICC's statement reads.

"Over a period of more than three weeks, the ICC engaged with the BCB through multiple rounds of dialogue conducted in a transparent and constructive manner, including meetings held both via video conference and in-person.

"As part of this process, the ICC reviewed the concerns cited by the BCB, commissioned and considered independent security assessments from internal and external experts, and shared detailed security and operational plans covering federal and state arrangements, as well as enhanced and escalating security protocols for the event. These assurances were reiterated at several stages, including during discussions involving the ICC Business Corporation (IBC) Board.

"The ICC’s assessments concluded that there was no credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh national team, officials or supporters in India.

"In light of these findings, and after careful consideration of the broader implications, the ICC determined that it was not appropriate to amend the published event schedule.

Following a meeting on Wednesday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board had been given a 24-hour timeframe to confirm whether its team would participate in India as scheduled. As no confirmation was received within the deadline, the ICC "proceeded in line with its established governance and qualification processes to identify a replacement team."

Scotland Replaces Bangladesh, ICC Swaps Teams Ahead Of T20 World Cup

Earlier Cricbuzz reported that the decisive call was made on Saturday morning when CEO Sanjog Gupta formally wrote to the ICC Board that Bangladesh's demands were not in line with the ICC's policies.

ICC CEO Gupta's letter is believed to mention that the BCB did not comply with the ICC Board's decision and that they had no other option than to invite another country to replace them in the T20 World Cup.

BCB President Aminul Islam is also a member of the ICC Board, and he has been marked in the communication as well.

Reports added that the ICC CEO has also written to Cricket Scotland, sending them a formal invite to be a part of the marquee T20 tournament. It is only a matter of time before the ICC officially announces the change.

Also Read: Amid T20 World Cup Impasse, Corruption Allegations Rocked Bangladesh Cricket, BCB Official To Be Investigated: Report

BCB & ICC's Standoff Led To Cricket Scotland's Benefit

The International Cricket Board and the Bangladesh Cricket Board have been in a standoff, with the BCB calling for their matches to be moved out of India. The ICC, however, have 'upheld' the schedule for the T20 World Cup and has also assured that they do not have a security threat in the country.

Cricket Scotland has been nothing but impressive, as they were part of the 2024 World Cup and finished third in Group B. While they had the same points as England, the Scots missed out on advancing due to NRR.

Also Read: Bangladesh Players Reveal Shocking Details, Cricketers Not Consulted During BCB's Decision To Boycott T20 World Cup 2026: Report

With Scotland replacing Bangladesh, the associate nation will now be placed in Group C and will open its campaign against the West Indies on February 7, 2026, at Eden Gardens. They will then face Italy and England in Kolkata and will travel to Mumbai to face Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium on February 17.