This decision was taken after the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad due to the strained India-Bangaldesh relations after several Hindus were slaughtered in their country. The ICC had requested them to take back this decision, and even held talks with them face-to-face with a delegation visiting Bangladesh. Reports have surfaced that the , warning that they would be replaced if they do not give their final decision by January 21.
Who Will Replace Bangladesh If They Are Removed From T20 World Cup?
If Bangladesh are removed from the T20 World Cup 2026, they will be replaced by the next highest ranked team in the ICC T20I rankings, who have not qualified for the tournament.
The team that fits the bill are Scotland, who are ranked 13 and have not qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026. Hence, Scotland will join England, Italy, Nepal, and West Indies in Group C.
Have Scotland Been Asked To Participate In T20 World Cup 2026?
According to a report by BBC, Scotland have not been contacted by the ICC yet for taking part in the T20 World Cup 2026. However, the board and players are ready to take on the opportunity should they be asked to play the T20 World Cup 2026.
Cricket Scotland, however, will not make any format request to ICC, as a mark of respect for the Bangladesh Cricket Team.
The BCB had also asked ICC to swap their groups with Ireland, as the Irish team are playing all their T20 World Cup 2026 matches in Sri Lanka. However, the BBC report states that Cricket Ireland have not received any such news from anyone, as they are preparing as per the given schedule of the mega tournament.