Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 24: Scotland is set to replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka from February 7, following Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India due to security concerns, sources told reporters. The ICC is expected to issue an official confirmation soon.

Bangladesh had requested their matches be moved to Sri Lanka, citing political tensions and safety concerns, but the ICC maintained that the tournament will proceed as planned, with all matches in India and Sri Lanka. Despite a vote against their stance, which ended 14-2 in favor of playing in India, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remained firm, prompting the ICC to consider a replacement.

Scotland, the highest-ranked non-qualified team, was chosen as Bangladesh’s replacement. They will join Group C in the preliminary stage, facing the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 in Kolkata, before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

The development comes after the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026 amid ongoing political tensions, highlighting the broader impact of the strained relations on cricketing events.