ICC replaces Bangladesh with Scotland in T20 WC

International Cricket Council (ICC) has dropped Bangladesh from 2026 T20 World Cup and replaced with Scotland, citing Bangladesh Cricket Board’s refusal to comply with tournament policies, reports Cricbuzz.

According to a Cricbuzz report, ICC Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta confirmed the decision in a letter sent to ICC board members on Saturday morning.

The letter stated that Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) demands and position were not in line with ICC policy and that, following Bangladesh’s failure to accept the board’s decision, ICC had no option but to invite another country to participate in the marquee event.

A copy of the letter was also sent to BCB president and ICC board member Aminul Islam Bulbul. At the same time, ICC formally invited Cricket Scotland to take part in the tournament. 

While Cricket Scotland CEO Trudy Lindblade did not immediately respond to requests for comment, sources indicated that communications between Dubai and Edinburgh were underway.

Bangladesh had earlier refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns and requested a change of venues. The request was rejected at an ICC board meeting by a 14–2 vote. 

As a last resort, BCB approached ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), but the appeal was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds. After the expiry of a 24-hour deadline set by ICC, the governing body announced its final decision on Saturday.

Scotland have benefited from Bangladesh’s withdrawal due to their higher ranking and recent performances in ICC events. The associate nation has been placed in Group C, taking over Bangladesh’s slot in the competition.

Under the revised schedule, Scotland will begin their World Cup campaign against West Indies in Kolkata on February 7, followed by matches against Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 at the same venue. 

They will play their final group match against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17; the venues Bangladesh had declined to play at.

SH