United News of Bangladesh

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not approached Scotland about replacing Bangladesh at next month’s men’s T20 World Cup, though Scottish players say they would be ready if needed. Bangladesh recently informed the ICC that they would not travel to India for the tournament due to political tensions and requested their matches be moved to another venue. As the highest-ranked team not in the tournament, Scotland could be considered if Bangladesh withdraws, but Cricket Scotland has not been contacted and is not initiating talks, out of respect for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Read more: Bangladesh not to accept any illogical ICC conditions under Indian pressure: Sports Adviser Scotland missed out on the 2026 T20 World Cup after finishing fourth in last summer’s Europe Qualifier, with the Netherlands and Italy claiming the two available spots. Their players are currently training ahead of a one-day international tri-series with Namibia and Oman in Windhoek in March. A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation and travel to India is expected by Wednesday. The ICC has not clarified how it would select a replacement team if a participant withdraws. Previously, Scotland replaced Zimbabwe at the 2009 T20 World Cup after Zimbabwe pulled out for political reasons. With current T20 World Cup qualifications conducted regionally, any replacement decision is likely to be at the ICC’s discretion. Scotland is currently ranked 14th in the ICC T20 rankings. The ICC could also move Bangladesh’s matches to a less politically sensitive area in India or transfer their games to co-host Sri Lanka. Reports suggest the BCB has requested a group swap with Ireland, whose matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka. Cricket Ireland said its schedule remains unchanged but it is monitoring the situation closely. Read more: Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup deadlock: Ireland rejects group swap, Pakistan sides with BCB #With inputs from BBC

The uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 has deepened after a high-stakes video conference between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) ended without a breakthrough on Tuesday (January 13, 2026). Despite the global body’s request to reconsider the boycott, the BCB remained firm in its decision not to travel to India, citing unresolved security concerns. In the meeting held this afternoon, a BCB delegation led by President Aminul Islam and Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury reiterated the board’s demand to relocate their matches to a neutral venue. The ICC, however, highlighted the logistical rigidity of the tournament, noting that the itinerary has already been announced and urging the board to soften its stance. BCB to continue ‘constructive engagement’ with ICC for T20 World Cup solution “The Board’s position remains unchanged,” the BCB confirmed in a media release following the discussion. “The BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India... (and) reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh's matches outside India.” This diplomatic deadlock comes just a day after Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul publicly slammed the ICC for what he termed an “absurd” security assessment. Nazrul revealed that the ICC had identified pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion in the squad as a potential security risk—a claim stemming from the recent controversy where the Kolkata Knight Riders were allegedly forced to release the bowler due to “anti-Bangladesh” sentiment in India. ICC to BCB: Play in India or forfeit points While the ICC pressed for adherence to the schedule, the BCB emphasised that the safety of its players and staff remains paramount. Both parties agreed to continue discussions to find a “possible solution,” but with the board unwilling to compromise on its security demands and the ICC reluctant to alter the fixture list, the fate of Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign hangs in the balance.