Scotland Replace Bangladesh in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Scotland will take Bangladesh’s place at the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
In an official statement, the ICC said the decision followed the rejection of Bangladesh’s request to shift their matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing the lack of any substantiated or credible security concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) subsequently declined to participate in the tournament under the existing schedule, prompting the change.
“As formally announced on Saturday, Bangladesh will not take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” the ICC stated. “Scotland has been drafted in as their replacement and will compete in Group C alongside England, Italy, Nepal and the West Indies.”
The ICC reiterated that Bangladesh’s appeal was denied after a thorough review found no verifiable threat to the safety of their players in India, despite Sri Lanka being a co-host nation.
Scotland will now begin their World Cup campaign against the West Indies on February 7 in Kolkata. They will remain in the city for two additional group matches, facing Italy on February 9 and England on February 14. The Scottish side will then travel to Mumbai for their final group-stage encounter against Nepal on February 17.
