In a dramatic growth forward of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Bangladesh have formally withdrawn from the match, prompting the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) to call their alternative. The choice, confirmed on Friday, January 23, follows weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations, rising diplomatic unease, and a ultimate breakdown in talks between the worldwide governing physique and the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Bangladesh’s withdrawal from T20 World Cup 2026 and the roots of the dispute
Bangladesh’s choice to drag out was pushed by what the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) described as unresolved safety issues associated to travelling to India, one of many match’s host nations alongside Sri Lanka. Whereas the ICC maintained that there have been no credible or verifiable threats to the Bangladesh group, the BCB remained unconvinced and stood agency on its place.
The standoff intensified amid reviews that tensions escalated after the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) requested Kolkata Knight Riders to launch Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. Though neither board formally linked the 2 points, strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh had been broadly considered as a backdrop to the deadlock.
After a number of rounds of communication, the ICC issued an ultimatum to the BCB, asking them to verify participation as per the printed schedule. Bangladesh, nevertheless, opted to boycott the occasion, a call introduced following a gathering between board officers and senior gamers.
In a final try and delay the result, the BCB wrote to the ICC in search of intervention from the dispute decision committee. That transfer failed to alter the course of occasions, because the committee clarified it couldn’t act as an attraction physique on this case. A decisive ICC assembly was then held in Dubai, convened by chairman Jay Shah, the place the governing physique unanimously agreed to proceed with a alternative.
In an official assertion, the ICC mentioned: “Within the absence of any credible or verifiable safety risk to the Bangladesh nationwide group in India, the Council has rejected the BCB’s request to relocate its matches and has confirmed Scotland because the alternative group.”
Additionally READ: ‘Bangladesh doesn’t want to play in India’: BCB chief slams ICC for ‘double standards’ over T20 World Cup venue controversy
Alternative group named for Bangladesh
The choice opened the door for Scotland, who’ve featured in 5 earlier T20 World Cups and are considered certainly one of Europe’s most constant affiliate sides. Regardless of not topping their European qualifying group—ending behind Italy, the Netherlands and Jersey—Scotland’s superior ICC rating labored of their favour.
Scotland impressed many observers within the 2024 version, pushing each Australia and England laborious in aggressive group matches, although they narrowly missed out on the Tremendous 8 stage. Their inclusion provides intrigue to Group C, which already options England, the West Indies, Italy and Nepal.
Revised fixtures and recent challenges
Scotland will start their T20 World Cup 2026 marketing campaign on February 7 in opposition to the West Indies in Kolkata. They are going to then face Italy on February 9 at Eden Gardens, adopted by a high-profile conflict with England on the identical venue on February 14. Their group stage concludes in opposition to Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
Whereas Bangladesh’s absence leaves a notable void, Scotland’s entry brings renewed pleasure and unpredictability to the match. Because the countdown to February begins, the main target now shifts from controversy to cricket, with Scotland desperate to take advantage of a uncommon and surprising World Cup lifeline.
Additionally READ: Kevin Pietersen picks two stars who will leave maximum impact in T20 World Cup 2026
