ICC Replaces Bangladesh with Scotland for T20 World Cup

Sunday, 25 January 2026 | Web Desk

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to be hosted across India and Sri Lanka. The decision comes after weeks of failed negotiations with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which had refused to play its scheduled matches in India citing security concerns.

According to the ICC’s official statement, the council engaged in detailed discussions for over three weeks, thoroughly reviewing the BCB’s apprehensions. The ICC assured the BCB that there was no credible threat to the Bangladesh team in India. However, despite being given additional time to reconsider, Bangladesh maintained its refusal to travel.

The BCB had initially requested that its World Cup matches be relocated from India to Sri Lanka, a proposal the ICC ultimately rejected, leading to Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament.

PCB Chairman Slams ICC Decision, Cites “Double Standards”

The ICC’s move has drawn sharp criticism from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who accused the global body of injustice and double standards.

“An injustice is being done to Bangladesh,” Naqvi stated. “They deserve to be in the T20 World Cup. If a hybrid model was arranged for Pakistan and India, then why can’t one be arranged for Bangladesh?”

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Naqvi labeled the situation a “double standard,” asserting that “one country cannot dictate terms to the entire world.” When questioned about Pakistan’s own participation plans, the PCB chairman clarified that the final decision rests with the Pakistani government. “We are more answerable to the Government of Pakistan than to the ICC,” he said, adding that they are awaiting guidance from the Prime Minister’s office and have contingency plans ready.