T20 World Cup 2026: Which team will replace Bangladesh if they don’t participate?
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC will wait for the final decision from the BCB. If the BCB does not allow Bangladesh to travel to India for the World Cup, Scotland could take their place in the tournament based on rankings.
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The situation between India and Bangladesh regarding the T20 World Cup 2026 has become a major talking point in sports recently. Due to political tensions between the two countries, the BCCI asked the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of IPL 2026.
This led the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) to write to the ICC and ask that their World Cup matches be moved out of India for security reasons. A final decision on this matter is expected on January 21.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC will wait for the final decision from the BCB. If the BCB does not allow Bangladesh to travel to India for the World Cup, Scotland could take their place in the tournament based on rankings.
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Scotland Could Replace Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2026
Based on current ICC T20I rankings, Scotland is the frontrunner to take Bangladesh’s fixtures if they opt out. This includes the tournament opener against West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on February 7.
Logistical sources suggest Scotland is already on “high alert” to complete travel and visa arrangements before the end of the month.
Why is Bangladesh Hesitant to Play in India?
The issue, which has lasted nearly three weeks, started with the controversial release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) earlier this month.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has cited security concerns for not sending the team to India. They suggested co-host Sri Lanka as a neutral venue instead.
However, the ICC has rejected all proposed alternatives:
No Group Swap: The request to swap places with Ireland, who play entirely in Sri Lanka, was denied.
Security Assurances: Independent assessments by internationally recognised experts found no specific threat to Bangladesh in Kolkata or Mumbai.
Bangladesh Scheduled to Face West Indies on Opening Day
Bangladesh is set to start its T20 World Cup campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7.
If Bangladesh does not agree to travel to India for the tournament, it is highly likely that Scotland will replace them.
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Avijit Das
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