T20 World Cup 2026: ICC officially replaces Bangladesh with Scotland after weeks of back and forth

The upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup will not feature Bangladesh as Scotland are set to take their place at the marquee event. The Scots will be placed in Group C alongside Italy, Nepal, West Indies, and England.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was adamant not to play T20 World Cup matches in India. They wrote a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) shortly after Mustafizur Rahman was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders amid the political tension between Bangladesh and India. In the letter, they requested their matches to be removed from India, citing security concerns in their neighbouring country.

However, ICC rejected the request, giving clearance regarding their safety. However, the BCB, in association with the nation's government kept on trying. Some reports suggested that the Bangladesh players were given no say in the decision.

On Saturday, January 24, ICC decided that its high time to settle the dispute and they replaced the Tigers with Scotland. While it's a pleasant news for Scotland fans, its heartbreaking for the millions of passionate Bangladeshi cricket enthusiasts who have been with their team throughs ups and down in ICC events for several years.This is the first time that a cricket team has been shown the door out of a global event. 

"The ICC has sent a letter to the BCB confirming that they have been shown the door following their refusal to travel to India. Scotland has also been informed about being picked as the replacement. The formalities have been done,” sources within the ICC confirmed to The Hindustan Times.

Bangladesh were scheduled to play their group matches at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Now, Scotland will get a chance to play in those historical venues in India.

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According to reports, the BCB is expected to lose INR 240 crore after missing out on playing in the 20-team extravaganza, which will run from February 7 to March 9.