Bangladesh Ejected from T20 World Cup 2026
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Saturday, January 24, 2026, that Bangladesh has been ejected from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. This unprecedented decision comes after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to participate in their scheduled matches in India, citing security concerns. As a result, Scotland has been named as their replacement in the tournament.
Security Concerns and ICC Rejection
The BCB had repeatedly requested the ICC to relocate their group stage matches from India to Sri Lanka, the co-host of the tournament. These requests stemmed from what Bangladesh described as security concerns and strained political tensions between the two nations. However, the ICC firmly rejected these appeals, stating that its independent security assessments found 'no credible or verifiable security threat' to the Bangladesh national team, officials, or supporters in India.
The global cricketing body emphasized that altering the tournament schedule so close to its commencement on February 7, 2026, was 'not appropriate' and 'not feasible'. The ICC engaged in extensive dialogue with the BCB over three weeks, including video conferences and in-person meetings, to address their concerns and provide assurances regarding security protocols.
Scotland Steps In as Replacement
Following Bangladesh's unwavering stance and their failure to confirm participation within a 24-hour deadline issued by the ICC, the governing body proceeded to identify a replacement team. Scotland, as the highest-ranked T20I nation that had not originally qualified for the tournament, was selected to fill the vacant spot. Scotland is currently ranked 14th in the T20I rankings.
Scotland will now join England, debutants Italy, Nepal, and West Indies in Group C of the tournament. The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the tenth edition of the event, will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, featuring twenty teams across eight venues.
BCB Accepts ICC Decision
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has confirmed that it will not contest the ICC's decision to remove them from the tournament. BCB president Aminul Islam and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul had previously indicated that traveling to India was not an option for the team. This marks the first instance of a cricket team being removed from a global event under such circumstances.
5 Comments
Africa
The ICC had a difficult position, needing to maintain the schedule and integrity of the tournament. Yet, for Bangladesh to take such a drastic step suggests their concerns were deeply felt, regardless of ICC's findings.
Donatello
This situation highlights the complex intersection of sports and geopolitics. It's a shame for the fans in Bangladesh, but the ICC's stance on credible threats is understandable for tournament logistics.
Bermudez
Poor decision by ICC. They could have found a solution.
Coccinella
Bangladesh just looking for excuses. Don't want to play, don't play.
Muchacho
Absolutely ridiculous from the ICC. Player safety first!