The former England opening batter, Mark Butcher, has backed the ICC’s decision to remove Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026 after the latter refused to travel to India due to security concerns. Butcher reckons that the ICC needs to make a clear plan going forward for the teams that won’t travel to the host nation of the ICC events.

Bangladesh was scheduled to play three games against West Indies, Italy, and England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata before making a trip to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai against Nepal. They were later replaced by Scotland as the governing body.

See Also: Former Australia captain named new head coach ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026

“The ICC had a choice to make at that point: do they do what actually should happen from now on in? This is a precedent that I think is worth following, that when a team, whether it’s through their government or it’s off their own bat, has security concerns or whatever concerns about visiting a country for a tournament, then basically they should be scrapped and the next cab off the rank qualifies, and you go ahead without them.” Butcher has expressed on the Wisden podcast.

Mark Butcher questions Bangladesh's ICC T20 World Cup 2026 snub

Butcher has also questioned the decision to bring Scotland in place of Bangladesh, given that they finished under Jersey in the qualifiers, which should be the main aspect for the qualification. Despite that, the ICC brought Scotland through the T20I rankings.

“There have been a lot of preceding events – not to this particular farrago – that have parallels. Obviously, the India Champions Trophy issue with Pakistan and how that ended up being resolved with India playing matches in Dubai, including the final. We’ve had tournaments, kind of re-jigged and re-arranged to accommodate one team or another throughout the history of the game of cricket.” Butcher addressed in Wisden.

“I think the India example for the Champions Trophy, everyone could see that coming, that was so obvious that you could see it from space, that that was going to be the position. I’m certainly not being naive in thinking that everyone else stands in the same position in India, because they don’t.” The former batter concluded. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced Bangladesh's replacement for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has sent out a warning message to the ICC ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. 

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is experiencing a lot of drama before even beginning the tournament. India and Sri Lanka are set to jointly host the tournament between February 7 and March 8, 2026.

While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has shown desperation in not playing the tournament in India, citing the "safety and well-being of the players" in India, they wanted last moment venue shift for their matches in the tournament to Sri Lanka. Despite the ICC and BCCI assuring the BCB of complete safety, the BCB didn't move from their desperate decision. 

Last week, the ICC had a crucial meeting regarding the BCB's stance, where only the PCB reportedly supported the BCB's demand. Ultimately, the ICC announced that if Bangladesh stayed with their decision not play the tournament in India, Scotland would replace them for the tournament. The BCB stuck to their decision, as the ICC officially announced Scotland as the replacement for Bangladesh for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday (January 24). 

You can't have double standards: Mohsin Naqvi

After the ICC's latest official announcement, the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has sent out a warning message to the ICC by calling the double-standard action. He openly supported the BCB's decision and feels the ICC has done an injustice to the board. 

Naqvi said, "I think Bangladesh has been hard done by. You can't have double standards. You can't say for one country [India] they can do whatever they want and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. That's why we've taken this stand, and made clear Bangladesh have had an injustice done to them. They should play in the World Cup; they are a major stakeholder in cricket."

See Also: ICC release new schedule following Bangladesh exit from T20 World Cup 2026

It's the government's decision: PCB chief about their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 participation

Meanwhile, Naqvi has also openly threatened the tournament, as he called the Pakistan government would take the final decision on their participation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. It is important to note that Pakistan will play all their matches of the tournament in Sri Lanka, as if they qualify for the Semi-final and Final, Sri Lanka will host their matches. 

It is not the first time the open clash between PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and the BCCI as well as the ICC. During the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final, where India lifted the trophy after beating New Zealand, the PCB chief was absent from the venue without providing any official information to the ICC. As Pakistan was the main host, along with the United Arab Emirates (for India's matches), the PCB chief had the duty to hand over the trophy to the champions. 

In the Asia Cup 2025, during the India vs Pakistan handshake row, the PCB chief, who is also the chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), also showed his desperation. In the Final of the tournament, where India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets, while the Indian players refused to take the trophy from the ACC chief and would reportedly accept the trophy from someone else, Naqvi moved out with the trophy as the Indian players couldn't lift the trophy. 

The official news has come as Scotland have replaced Bangladesh in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, starting in India and Sri Lanka on February 7 as it was only a matter of time after the International Cricket Council (ICC) gave the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) a 20-hour deadline a couple of days back. 

Bangladesh have now been replaced by the associate country from the northeastern European country in the British island, Scotland, and the final call was taken on the morning of January 24 when it is learnt that the ICC CEO, Sanjog Gupta, formerly wrote to the ICC Board that the demands of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are not in order of their policy.

See Also: “Potential troublemaker…”- Former BCB secretary slams Bangladesh boycotting T20 World Cup 2026

Gupta has invited the Scotland Cricket Board to take part in the Championship which will be played in India and Sri Lanka as the reports have claimed that there was no immediate response from the Cricket Scotland CEO, Trudy Lindblade. But there are meeting between Dubai and Edinburgh on the January 24 morning.

Scotland to play T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka 

Scotland have been given the chance to feature in the World Cup based on their performances in the previous ICC events apart from the current T20 ranking which is now number 14. In the previous season of the World Cup in 2024, they finished third in the group with the same point of Group B’s England but lost to the damaged neutron rate (NRR).

The swap means Scotland will be facing West Indies, Italy, and England in the three group-stage competition games at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, before making their trip to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17. In the 2021 World Cup they had beaten Bangladesh in the group stage and topped their group before going winning less in the Super 12 round.

The world governing body of cricket had allowed Bangladesh time to review their stance and discuss the matter with their government. ICC did not want Bangladesh to feel left out of the ecosystem, and at the same time, they did not want a dangerous president said when a member demands a relocation of the matches.

The former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)general secretary and the former officer of the Asian Cricket Council (ICC), Syed Ashraful Haque, feels that their side will now be viewed as a potential troublemaker in world cricket, following their pull-out from the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. They have decided to boycott the World Cup after holding a meeting with the players.

The board has stated that there are concerns over the security of the side, which resulted in them writing two letters to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their games from India to Sri Lanka, who will co-host the 20-team competition.

See Also: Watch: MS Dhoni’s first practice session in Ranchi ahead of IPL 2026 breaks internet

“It is very unfortunate that the present board is totally subservient to the decision of a government that will not be around after a few weeks. However, the damage left behind and the possible seclusion from the international cricket community will have far-reaching consequences, as Bangladesh will be considered a potential troublemaker in cricketing circles.” Syed expressed in an interaction with Cricbuzz.

Ex-BCB secretary slams Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 boycott

The Bangladesh side is scheduled to play three group-stage clashes at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata against the West Indies, England, and Italy before flying to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for the last group-stage encounter against Nepal.

“Any self-respecting cricket board would have passed on the ICC’s security measures to the team and asked the players to take a call. If they felt insecure, then by all means they should not go, but the decision should have come from the players, not from the government or the board. They have deprived the players of their lifetime ambitions of playing in a World Cup just to suit a questionable agenda.” Syed informed.

The ICC has already made it clear that Bangladesh would need to play the entire tournament’s group-stage games in India as scheduled and has rejected their request to shift the games to Sri Lanka. In case they do not feature in the T20 World Cup 2026, Scotland will replace them in terms of rankings.

Bangladesh sports advisor, Asif Nazrul, was present in the final of the 2025/26 season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at the Shade Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, where he acknowledged the country’s uncertainty around the T20 World Cup 2026 on live television as the video went viral on social media platforms. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the final, Nazrul addressed the tense situation with the cricket board, stating that they would not back down from their refusal to play the World Cup matches in India, citing unresolved security concerns as they wrote two letters to the ICC to shift their games to co-host Sri Lanka.

See Also: Watch: Shivam Dube smashes Ish Sodhi for 100-meter six during IND vs NZ 2nd T20I

“Bangladeshi people love cricket, and the huge presence of the spectators is a testament to this. And this was actually much needed, because quite recently, Bangladesh had been on the verge of being excluded from the T20 World Cup. They have the right to play there, but they are being excluded.” Nazrul expressed on the BPL 2025/26 final sidelines.

Bangladesh nearly confirmed to boycott T20 World Cup 2026

The ICC has made it clear that the tournament would proceed in India as previously scheduled and rejected Bangladesh’s request to move their matches to Sri Lanka, as a report claimed that Bangladesh were given a day to reconsider their position with the government, but the BCB continues to go with their same thought process.

Watch the video here: 

Cricket is more than a game. Advisor Asif Nazrul speaks, and the crowd reacts like a storm. 🌪️

BASHUNDHARA CEMENT BPL 2026
POWERED BY WALTON LIFT#BPL2026 pic.twitter.com/WpR4GxbSoP

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 23, 2026

“In such a special time, the huge presence of spectators will definitely encourage Bangladesh cricket and cricketers. We’ve got, I think, a huge presence of advisors. You can hear the sound and how popular cricket is in Bangladesh. Actually, half of the advisers who are present in Dhaka City tonight have turned up today, and it carries a special message.” Nazrul shed light.

Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play three games at the Eden Gardens against England, West Indies, and Italy, before making their trip to Mumbai for the last group stage game against Nepal. In case they don’t participate in the World Cup, Scotland will replace them as per the rankings.

There is big news about the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as Bangladesh have reportedly received the ultimatum from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to decide whether to go with the original schedule or not. In the case of a negative result, they will reportedly be replaced by Scotland for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Here, we will know why Scotland can replace Bangladesh for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. 

Since early this month, citing the concern of the safety and well-being of the players, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested the ICC to shift their game, most importantly from India to Sri Lanka, where Pakistan will also play the entire tournament. 

Watch: Tilak Varma provides vital fitness update ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: If Bangladesh refuse to travel India, Scotland can reportedly replace 

The ICC has assured the safety and well-being of the Bangladesh players, while the BCB has still stayed intact on their primary request for venue changes for the upcoming T20 World Cup. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly shown their support for the BCB, the ICC board has reportedly finally decided on a vote that either Bangladesh have to play according to the original schedule, or they will lose their place in the tournament. 

According to media reports, if Bangladesh sticks to their decision not travel to India for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Scotland are reportedly going to replace the Asian side. But how can the potential replacement happen?

Why Scotland can replace Bangladesh for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026?

Scotland are standing at the top of the ICC Men's T20I rankings among the teams that haven't qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. At present, Scotland are in the 14th position in the ICC Men's T20I rankings, and due to standing at the top among the non-qualified teams, they can replace Bangladesh for the upcoming T20 World Cup. 

In the 2024 edition, Scotland closely missed the Super Eight place for the tournament, which would guarantee their place for the upcoming T20 World Cup. In the European qualifiers for the upcoming T20 World Cup edition, while two teams could earn a place, as the Netherlands and Italy confirmed their spots, Scotland finished in fourth position.

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.

See also -Watch: Fans praise Virat Kohli at Mumbai airport despite India’s 1-2 ODI series loss to New Zealand in 2026

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.

Bangladesh are set for a busy home schedule in the calendar year 2026, as Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia, India, and the West Indies are set to tour this year.

Currently, Bangladesh is in an unstable condition due to political turmoil and the upcoming election. However, the country is confident to host the international series on time in 2026. 

See Also: Wisden names 2025 Men's ODI Team of the Year

Bangladesh have busy home schedule after T20 World Cup 2026

After the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host between February 7 and March 8, Bangladesh will host Pakistan for a three-match ODI series in March. Later, in May, Pakistan will tour Bangladesh once again for a two-match Test series, part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. 

New Zealand will then travel to Bangladesh for a three-match ODI and three-match T20I series in April and May. The similar schedules are for Australia and India, who are expected to visit Bangladesh in June and September, respectively. 

In October, the West Indies will travel to Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, a part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. 

In addition, Sri Lanka A will visit Bangladesh in May 2026 for two four-day matches and three List A games. 

Bangladesh are now known as one of the strongest teams at home, especially in white-ball cricket. 2026 is going to be a crucial year for Bangladesh, as they are eyeing a direct spot in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027. 

Bangladesh vs India match schedules

The ODI matches between Bangladesh and India are likely to be scheduled on September 1, 3, and 6. Then the T20I series will be played with the likely schedule on September 9, 12, and 13.  While India's tour of Bangladesh in 2025 was postponed, the Men in Blues are likely to land in Bangladesh on August 28, 2026.  

The 2025 season of the ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup begins in Dubai at the ICC Academy Ground, where India faced the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the opening clash, while on the other hand, Pakistan locked horns with Malaysia at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai. The upcoming sensational opening batter, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, celebrated a fine century to light up the stage.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi finished with 171 runs in just 95 balls at a strike rate of 180, scoring nine boundaries and 14 over boundaries. India fired their way to 311/3 in 40 overs as the number three batter, Aaron George, clubbed 69 runs in 73 balls at a strike rate of 94.52.

List of players with 150+ in single innings during U-19 Men’s Asia Cup

5. Aryan Saxena (UAE)

The game took place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium during the Under-19 Asia Cup by the Asian Cricket Council between Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aryan Saxena, the opener of the home side, slammed a fine knock of 150 runs in just 120 balls at a strike rate of 125 with the help of 16 boundaries and seven sixes. He put up a fine opening stand of 213 runs with Akshat Rai, who smashed 53 runs.

See Also: Watch: “Other players get…”- Ravindra Jadeja’s wife makes shocking claim on Indian cricketers

Their captain, Aayan Khan, nailed 45 runs in 33 balls as they ended with 325 runs on the board for the loss of seven wickets. In reply, Japan got bundled out for just 52 in 24.1 overs as only two of their batters made it into double figures. UAE clinched the victory by 273 runs.

4.    Shahzaib Khan (Pakistan)

From the same competition, it was the clash between the two arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Batted first, Pakistan’s opener, Shahzaib Khan, nailed 159 runs in 147 balls at a strike rate of 108.16, thanks to five boundaries and 16 sixes. He also decorated a 160-run opening stand with Usman Khan, who blasted 60 runs in 94 balls.

In the 282-run chase, the Indian side was bundled out for 238 runs, with only Nikhil Kumar getting 67 runs. The other batters got their starts but were not able to convert them into a big score. The Saad Baig-led side claimed the win by 43 runs.

3. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India)

Vaibhav Suryavanshi ended with 171 runs in the clash against the United Arab Emirates. On the opening game of the U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai, the southpaw creamed the knock despite them losing their captain, Ayush Mhatre, in the third over of the first innings. UAE bowled well at patches, but once the Bihar batter got a few balls out of the middle of his blade, there was no respite for the bowlers.

Suryavanshi, heading into the event, didn’t enjoy a great run in the 50-over format with just 132 runs in six innings at an average of 22, thanks to one half-century. However, this century will be a massive confidence booster for the 14-year-old moving into the future.

2. Meet Bhavsar (Kuwait)

During the 2021 Asia Cup at the U-19 stage, Nepal posted a strong score of 239 runs in their 42.3 overs with Bibek Magar and Basir Ahmed celebrating their respective half-centuries with the bat. Meanwhile, Mohammad Alam smashed 49 runs in 42 balls at a strike rate of 116.66 with the help of two fours and five sixes.

Kuwait were never in the chase as they kept losing wickets from one end with their captain, Meet Bhavsar, seeking others to at least hold their crease. But he slammed an unbeaten knock of 175 runs in 149 balls at a strike rate of 117.44 with 24 boundaries and one six to take them over the line by one wicket with seven balls to spare.

1.Soumya Sarkar (Bangladesh)

It was the Asia Cup of the 2012 season, which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Bangladesh faced Qatar in the clash as the opening batter of the Bangladesh side, Soumya Sarkar, played a fabulous knock of 209 runs in 135 balls at a strike rate of 154.81 with the help of 27 boundaries and eight sixes. That remains the only double century of the U-19 ODIs.

In reply to Bangladesh’s massive score of 363 runs, Qatar got bundled out for 35 runs. Abu Hider Rony ended with magical figures of 9/10 in 5.4 overs at an economy rate of 1.76. Bangladesh pocketed the victory by 328 runs.

BAN vs IRE 3rd T20I Match Preview:

The final and decisive T20I match between Bangladesh and Ireland is set to take place at Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium. After losing the first match, Bangladesh made a brilliant comeback and brought the series alive by winning the second T20I by four wickets. In this match, Bangladesh registered the victory on the back of captain Liton Das and experienced all-rounder Mehidy Hasan.

The Irish team is playing confidently in this series. Harry Tector and Tim Tector are in good touch with the bat, Mark Adair and Matthew Humphreys have been impressive with the ball. Bangladesh will seek to win the series at home, while Ireland will be confident from their past performances and will put in a lot of effort to win the series.

Recent Performance:

BAN vs IRE 3rd T20I Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: Ireland Tour of Bangladesh 
• Match: BAN vs IRE 3rd T20I
• Date: 2 Dec. 2025
• Match Start Time: 1:30 PM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Fancode.

Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

Pitch & Weather Report:

The sky is likely to remain cloudy, but the chances of rain are very low. The temperature is expected to reach around 29°C. Based on previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 125 and 143 runs. The pitch offers good assistance to batters and pacers.

Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium Stats: 

The Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium pitch is balanced. The pacer gets a little more help on the pitch at the start of the match, but after some time, the batsmen can easily play their shots. Winning the toss and opting to bat first will be a wise decision on this surface.      

BAN vs IRE Probable Playing 11

Bangladesh (BAN) Probable 11:

1. Tanzid Hasan, 2. Parvez Hossain Emon, 3. Liton Das(WK)(C), 4. Saif Hassan, 5. Towhid Hridoy, 6. Nurul Hasan(WK), 7. Tanzim Hasan, 8. Mahedi Hasan, 9. Nasum Ahmed, 10. Mohammad Saifuddin, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Ireland (IRE) Probable 11:

1. Paul Stirling(C), 2. Tim Tector, 3. Harry Tector, 4. Lorcan Tucker(WK), 5. Benjamin Calitz, 6. George Dockrell, 7. Gareth Delany, 8. Mark Adair, 9. Barry McCarthy, 10. Matthew Humphreys, 11. Joshua Little

BAN vs IRE- Top Picks from BAN

BAN vs IRE- Top Picks from IRE

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

Towhid Hridoy (BAN) has been an inform batter for BAN. He stands out as the top performer in the run chart.

Litton Das (BAN), the skipper, showcased his skills in the last T20I and played a crucial role in BAN’s victory. 

Tim H Tector (IRE) is a star opener for Ireland. He had also played a quick innings of 38 runs in 25 balls in the last match.

Harry Tector (IRE) comes to play at number three. Ireland's team batting relies heavily on him.

BAN vs IRE Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

BAN vs IRE Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

BAN vs IRE Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

BAN vs IRE Probable Winners:

BAN is expected to win this match. Bangladesh's confidence was boosted by winning the second T20I match. They have completely dominated Ireland in the head-to-head stats. BAN also has the benefit of playing on its home ground.

BAN vs IRE 3rd T20I FAQ

Who is likely to win the BAN vs IRE match today?

Bangladesh (BAN) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

Bangladesh

Who are the top fantasy picks for the BAN vs IRE Dream11 team?

Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Mahedi Hasan, Mark Adair, Tim H Tector and H Tector

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 150 and 170 runs.