DUBAI(National times)- The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially confirmed that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.The move follows Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) refusal to participate in the tournament according to the published match schedule. Scotland, currently ranked 14th in the T20I rankings, will join Group C alongside England, Italy, Nepal and the West Indies, taking the place of Bangladesh, who had originally qualified for the event. The ICC said the decision came after a comprehensive review process, including multiple rounds of dialogue with the BCB over more than three weeks. The board conducted video and in-person meetings to address Bangladesh’s concerns about playing matches in India. Independent security assessments from internal and external experts found no credible threat to the Bangladesh team, officials or supporters. The ICC also shared detailed operational and security plans with the BCB, which were reiterated at several stages, including discussions involving the ICC Business Corporation Board. Following a final 24-hour deadline for Bangladesh to confirm their participation, the ICC received no response. As a result, the governing body proceeded with established governance and qualification procedures to identify a replacement team. Scotland, who had narrowly missed out on T20 World Cup qualification, were deemed the most suitable replacement based on recent performances in ICC events and their current global ranking. The team had previously stunned cricket fans by defeating Bangladesh in the 2021 T20 World Cup and finished third in Group B at the 2024 edition. Scotland’s inclusion ensures that the tournament’s schedule remains intact, with matches set to commence on February 7. Group C matches will now feature Scotland facing England, Italy, Nepal and the West Indies, giving the European side a significant opportunity to showcase their talent on the global stage. The ICC emphasised that the decision was taken to maintain the integrity of the tournament and uphold its established qualification rules.

‘No double standards’: PCB looks to government after ICC T20 World Cup move on Bangladesh

Prior to the ICC announcement, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed concern over the treatment of Bangladesh, calling it unfair. Speaking to the media in Lahore, he said that Pakistan’s stance on the matter would align with government instructions, adding that multiple contingency plans were in place. Naqvi further stated that Pakistan is more bound by the government’s decision than the ICC’s and emphasised that one country cannot dictate terms to another. He said the final decision on whether Pakistan will participate in the T20 World Cup will be made once Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns, noting that the PCB is prepared for any scenario with multiple plans.