Scotland could replace Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2026

With the 2026 T20 World Cup set to be played in the upcoming month, the biggest question is will Bangladesh take part in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? According to Cricinfo, the final decision regarding the team travelling to India is expected on 21 January. Bangladesh Cricket Board was informed of this deadline by the International Cricket Council during meetings held in Dhaka on 17 January. This was the second discussion between the ICC and BCB in the same week. According to the BCB, Bangladesh still want to play in the T20 World Cup but prefer to play its matches outside India and have requested for venue change.

All these incidents started since the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders from IPL 2026 squad

on instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the ongoing minority atrocities in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Cricket Board has been pushing for matches to be relocated outside India, citing concerns about safety and security of players and they have told that the players have serious safety issues in India.

During the second meeting between BCB and ICC, the BCB reiterated its stance of wanting to play in the T20 World Cup, but outside India. With Sri Lanka as co hosts, they wanted to switch the groups with Ireland so that all their matches can be played in Sri Lanka but ICC rejected the proposal . The BCB has cited security concerns in their team traveling and playing in India, but the ICC remains firm that it will not change the original schedule, which sees Bangladesh placed in Group C in the World Cup.

Media reports coming in from ICC-BCB discussions have indicated that the ICC will wait for the BCB to take the final call. In case the BCB refuses to allow Bangladesh to travel to India, the ICC is likely to name a replacement team, which, based on current rankings would be Scotland. The government of Bangladesh is clear in its stance that it will not allow players to India while BCB have to take a call on the participation within 21 January else they will make way for Scotland.