The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. This decision follows Bangladesh’s refusal to send their cricket team to India, the host nation for the tournament, due to political tensions and safety concerns.
ICC’s Decision and Bangladesh’s Response
According to reports, the ICC informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) via email on Friday evening about the replacement. The BCB had previously communicated that the Bangladesh government did not grant permission for the team to travel to India for the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026.
Bangladesh has expressed intentions to challenge the ICC’s decision by taking the matter to the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC). The BCB had requested that their matches be moved to Sri Lanka, a co-host of the event, citing safety concerns stemming from strained political relations between Bangladesh and India. However, the ICC rejected this request earlier, stating that comprehensive security assessments showed no credible threats to players, officials, or fans at any Indian venues.
ICC’s Position on Scheduling and Security
The ICC emphasized that altering the tournament schedule at this late stage was not feasible and could set a problematic precedent for future events. The governing body maintained that all security evaluations, including independent reviews, confirmed the safety of all participants in India.
Pakistan Cricket Board’s Reaction
In response to the ICC’s decision, Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi described the move as unfair. He stated that the PCB would align its decision with the Government of Pakistan’s guidance. Naqvi also highlighted his concerns about what he perceives as “double standards” in the ICC’s handling of the situation and stressed that Bangladesh remains a significant stakeholder who should be included in the tournament.
Naqvi noted that the final stance would be announced after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns to the country.
