Cricket’s calendar faces a seismic shift as Scotland gears up to replace Bangladesh in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, sources within the ICC have disclosed. The change is triggered by Bangladesh’s unwavering refusal to compete in India, rooted in bilateral diplomatic strains.
The BCB informed the ICC of their position, driven by governmental advisories on security amid frosty relations. They advocated for relocating their matches to Sri Lanka, but the ICC’s 24-hour compliance demand met resistance, forcing a pivot to alternatives.
Scotland, boasting the highest ranking among sidelined teams, stands ready. This follows the BCCI’s intervention in releasing Bangladeshi quick Mustafizur Rahman from KKR for the upcoming IPL, illustrating the ripple effects across formats.
Integrated into Group C, Scotland’s slate features high-stakes games: West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, all at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, culminating with Nepal in Mumbai on the 17th.
Set to unfold from February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, the World Cup reaffirms the ICC’s commitment to its blueprint while adapting to realities. For Scotland, it’s a career-defining chance to compete with giants, potentially scripting history.
The impending official reveal will clarify rosters and strategies, energizing the T20 faithful and highlighting how politics and sport intersect in unexpected ways.