The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will not participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following a standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over venue arrangements. The ICC has officially named Scotland as Bangladesh’s replacement for the tournament, which begins on February 7, 2026.
The controversy arose after the BCB refused to travel to India for its scheduled matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, citing security concerns for its players and staff. The board requested the ICC to move its fixtures to neutral venues, such as Sri Lanka, but the ICC rejected this proposal, stating that security assessments showed no credible threat to the team and that rescheduling would disrupt the tournament.
The ICC gave Bangladesh a 24-hour deadline to confirm participation under the original schedule. The BCB publicly stated it would not play in India, but failed to formally communicate its stance within the deadline. Consequently, the ICC proceeded to replace Bangladesh with Scotland, which qualifies based on T20 rankings.
In a last effort, the BCB appealed to the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), hoping for an independent review. However, the ICC did not accept the appeal, citing procedural issues.
Bangladesh’s withdrawal carries significant consequences. Reports suggest the board could face a financial loss of around ₹240 crore due to missed World Cup revenues, sponsorship impacts, and broadcast deals. Additionally, this decision could affect Bangladesh’s standing in international cricket.
Scotland’s inclusion marks a historic late change to the tournament lineup. They will now compete in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy, giving fans an unexpected twist to the competition.
Also Read: US exits World Health Organization after 78 years
