ibn sultan
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that Bangladesh has been replaced by Scotland in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after refusing to travel to India citing security concerns.
Senior ICC officials, including chairman Jay Shah, were in Dubai on Friday (January 23, 2026), following which an email was sent late in the evening to BCB chairman Aminul Islam Bulbul, conveying the global body’s decision.
According to an ICC source quoted by PTI, Bangladesh failed to respond officially within the 24-hour deadline given by the ICC to confirm participation. “An email was sent last evening intimating the BCB chairman that since the board did not get back to the ICC within the stipulated time, a decision has been taken,” the source said.
The source further added that the BCB held a press conference in Dhaka before formally communicating its position to the ICC, calling it a violation of protocol. “They have been categorically told that they are being replaced,” the source said.
Bangladesh’s appeal cannot be heard by the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), clearing the way for Scotland to be named as the official replacement by January 24.
Bangladesh’s Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul had earlier advised against travelling to India, citing security concerns despite repeated assurances from the ICC.
While Cricket Scotland has said it has not yet received formal confirmation, sources indicate it is only a matter of time before the associate nation is officially informed. Scotland is set to play its scheduled group-stage matches in the tournament, replacing Bangladesh.
