ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on Feb. 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

The decision comes after the ICC issued a 24-hour deadline to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) earlier this week. With no resolution emerging within the stipulated time, the global cricket body confirmed the change on Saturday.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi strictly opposed the decision saying, "Bangladesh is a key stakeholder in international cricket and must not be subjected to any form of injustice."

Naqvi said, "No country can dictate terms to another," he added, "all cricketing nations should be treated equally."

"Bangladesh must play in the world cup at all costs, there should be no double standards"

As a result, Scotland will now feature in Group C of the tournament’s preliminary stage. The team is set to open its campaign against the West Indies on Feb. 7, followed by matches against Italy on Feb. 9 and England on Feb. 14 in Kolkata. Scotland will then travel to Mumbai to face Nepal on Feb. 17.

More details are expected as the ICC and participating boards issue further statements.

Scotland

Scotland replace Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2026 after ICC decision