The International Cricket Council is expected to announce a replacement for Bangladesh at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board failed to meet the 24-hour deadline. Citing security and political concerns over travelling to India, Bangladesh remains undecided.
ICC Likely to Replace Bangladesh with Scotland in T20 World Cup 2026
New Delhi: The ongoing standoff between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reached a crucial juncture. With the 24-hour deadline set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) expiring, there are indications that another team could replace Bangladesh in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Reports suggest that Scotland is the frontrunner for this vacant spot.
According to reports, the Bangladesh Cricket Board did not send a formal response to the ICC within the stipulated time. Although continuous meetings and discussions took place between the government, the board, and player representatives in Dhaka, no clear and official communication was provided to ICC headquarters in Dubai. This has limited the ICC's options.
Bangladesh boycotts T20 World Cup, remain adamant about not playing in India despite ICC assurances
If the Bangladesh team agreed to travel to India, the matter could have been resolved. However, their continued refusal, citing security concerns, forced the ICC to implement a contingency plan for the tournament. ICC officials awaited clarity from Bangladesh for the past 24 hours, but with no concrete indication, preparations are now underway to include Scotland.
Aminul Islam Bulbul, President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, publicly expressed hope for a "last-minute miracle." However, this hope appeared to be far from reality. It is reported that the ICC Board has already voted on the issue, and the final decision depends on Bangladesh's stance.
Asif Nazrul, Sports Advisor to the Bangladesh Government, clarified that the decision not to travel to India was not administrative, but political. He stated that the safety of the players is the government's priority. This is why the BCB did not change its position despite being given a full extension on Thursday.
ICC warns Bangladesh with replacement threat for T20 World Cup 2026, offers one-day deadline
If Bangladesh officially withdraws from the 2026 T20 World Cup, Scotland could be included in Group C. Although Scotland failed to qualify in the European Qualifiers, finishing behind the Netherlands, Italy, and Jersey, they may be eligible due to extraordinary circumstances.
An official announcement from the ICC is expected soon. This decision will not only change the complexion of the tournament but could also spark a new debate about the relationship between politics and sports in international cricket.
