January 24, 2026: The ICC has confirmed that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh withdrew after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided not to play in India. The announcement was made on Saturday.

The BCB had asked the ICC to move Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka because of security concerns. The ICC reviewed the request but said there were no credible threats in India. Even after several discussions, the BCB did not confirm their participation within the 24-hour deadline. As a result, the ICC chose Scotland to take Bangladesh’s place in the tournament.

Scotland, ranked 14th in the ICC T20I standings, will replace Bangladesh in Group C of the T20 World Cup 2026. They will play against England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies. The ICC made this decision after careful security reviews and talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

ICC Explains their Decision and Replacement

The ICC said there was no credible security threat to Bangladesh’s team, officials, or supporters in India. “After careful review, it was not possible to change the published schedule,” the ICC said in an official statement.

Despite the BCB’s requests, the ICC could not adjust the tournament schedule at this late stage. Since Bangladesh did not confirm their participation, the ICC followed its process and selected Scotland as the replacement.

The ICC has announced that Scotland will replace Bangladesh at the #T20WorldCup.

Details 📲 https://t.co/M61nOzx2fF

— ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2026

Bangladesh Responds Following ICC Decision

Soon after the ICC’s official statement, Bangladesh issued a statement confirming the development, saying the decision was made following the government’s order. BCB Media Committee chairman Amjad Hossain said the board respects the ICC but could not act against government instructions. He added that the board wanted to find a solution and was ready to play in Sri Lanka, but it could not be arranged.

“We have spoken with the government. They said going to India for the World Cup would not be safe for our players, journalists, or anyone accompanying the team. We requested our matches be moved to Sri Lanka, but the ICC did not agree, even after several meetings. Since the ICC did not respond, there is little we can do because this is the government’s decision. Due to security concerns, playing in India is not safe, and that is why this decision was made,” Ajmad said in a press conference.

“We have tried our best and fully respect the ICC Board. The Board decided the match cannot be relocated. Even after that, we made our own requests, but since the ICC will not agree, there is nothing more we can do,” he added.

This surprise change now puts Scotland in the spotlight as they get ready for the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7.