In a dramatic development ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Bangladesh have officially withdrawn from the tournament, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to name their replacement. The decision, confirmed on Friday, January 23, follows weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations, growing diplomatic unease, and a final breakdown in talks between the global governing body and the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Bangladesh’s withdrawal from T20 World Cup 2026 and the roots of the dispute

Bangladesh’s decision to pull out was driven by what the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) described as unresolved security concerns to travelling to India, one of the tournament’s host nations alongside Sri Lanka. While the ICC maintained that there were no credible or verifiable threats to the Bangladesh team, the BCB remained unconvinced and stood firm on its position.

The standoff intensified amid reports that tensions escalated after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requested Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. Although neither board officially linked the two issues, strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh were widely viewed as a backdrop to the impasse.

After several rounds of communication, the ICC issued an ultimatum to the BCB, asking them to confirm participation as per the published schedule. Bangladesh, however, opted to boycott the event, a decision announced following a meeting between board officials and senior players.

In a last attempt to delay the outcome, the BCB wrote to the ICC seeking intervention from the dispute resolution committee. That move failed to change the course of events, as the committee clarified it could not act as an appeal body in this case. A decisive ICC meeting was then held in Dubai, convened by chairman Jay Shahwhere the governing body unanimously agreed to proceed with a replacement.

In an official statement, the ICC said: “In the absence of any credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh national team in India, the Council has rejected the BCB’s request to relocate its matches and has confirmed Scotland as the replacement team.”

Replacement team named for Bangladesh

The decision opened the door for Scotlandwho have featured in five previous T20 World Cups and are regarded as one of Europe’s most consistent associate sides. Despite not topping their European qualifying group—finishing behind Italy, the Netherlands and Jersey—Scotland’s superior ICC ranking worked in their favour.

Scotland impressed many observers in the 2024 edition, pushing both Australia and England hard in competitive group matches, even though they narrowly missed out on the Super 8 stage. Their inclusion adds intrigue to Group C, which already features England, the West Indies, Italy and Nepal.

Revised fixtures and fresh challenges

Scotland will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against the West Indies in Kolkata. They will then face Italy on February 9 at Eden Gardens, followed by a high-profile clash with England at the same venue on February 14. Their group stage concludes against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

While Bangladesh’s absence leaves a notable void, Scotland’s entry brings renewed excitement and unpredictability to the tournament. As the countdown to February begins, the focus now shifts from controversy to cricket, with Scotland eager to make the most of a rare and unexpected World Cup lifeline.