The ICC has dropped Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup and confirmed Scotland as replacement, after the Bangladesh Cricket Board ignored a final deadline to accept matches in India. A 14-2 ICC Board vote backed Bangladesh playing in India, but the board held its stance, leading to automatic exclusion from the tournament.
The financial damage for Bangladesh Cricket Board is expected to be serious, as the board will miss a USD 500,000 participation fee and risk future earnings. Annual ICC revenue of about USD 27 million, which makes up roughly 60 percent of BCB's budget, could also come under review along with sponsorship deals linked to the event.
ICC T20 World Cup decision on Bangladesh and Scotland
ICC officials, including chairman Jay Shah, met in Dubai before an e-mail was issued to BCB chairman Aminul
Islam Bulbul. "An e-mail was sent last evening to Bangladesh Cricket Board chairman intimating him that his board didn't get back to ICC officially after the 24 hour deadline that was given to them to decide if they wanted to come to India," a PTI report quoted an ICC source.
The communication also criticised BCB's handling of the issue. "The BCB did a press conference in Dhaka before officially intimating the global body which is a violation of protocol. They have been categorically told that they are being replaced. Scotland is the new team in the World Cup. " All other participating boards were separately informed of Bangladesh's removal.
ICC T20 World Cup security dispute involving Bangladesh and Scotland
The dispute started after BCB refused to send the national side to India, citing safety concerns following Mustafizur Rahman's removal from the IPL. Bangladesh Cricket Board repeatedly asked that fixtures be shifted to Sri Lanka and even proposed a group swap with Ireland, but Cricket Ireland clearly turned down that suggestion and backed the original schedule.
Bangladesh Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul advised against travel despite independent security assessments for all teams placing the threat at "low to moderate". Nazrul, described as an anti-India hardliner within the interim government, issued a directive that players would not be cleared to tour India. ICC officials maintained that security guarantees offered to Bangladesh matched those for every other team.
ICC T20 World Cup schedule for Scotland and impact on Bangladesh
Scotland will now take Bangladesh's slot in the group and play four league matches. The team faces West Indies, Italy and England in Kolkata, before moving to Mumbai for a game against Nepal. These fixtures will follow the existing tournament calendar without any change to dates or venues.
The BCB attempted a late challenge by approaching the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee, but officials pointed out that the body cannot hear appeals against decisions taken by the ICC Board itself. Nazrul's meeting with national players in Dhaka reportedly became a one-sided session, with Nazrul addressing the squad and stating they would not be allowed to participate in the event.
The tournament schedule for Scotland's group now stands as follows:
| Team | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | West Indies | February 7 | Kolkata |
| Scotland | Italy | February 9 | Kolkata |
| Scotland | England | February 14 | Kolkata |
| Scotland | Nepal | February 17 | Mumbai |
Beyond direct ICC payments, the loss of a planned Indian tour carries extra financial strain for BCB. Officials estimate a home series against India brings revenue similar to around 10 bilateral series with other countries. The board's remaining legal option lies with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, although the T20 World Cup will continue as scheduled.
