It is highly likely that if Bangladesh decide to pull out of the tournament, Scotland may replace Bangladesh as per current rankings.
| Photo Credit: AP
As per the rankings, Scotland may replace Bangladesh if the latter decides to pull out of the upcoming T20 World Cup, that is scheduled to be held in India.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) one more day to reflect and take a final position.
The ICC Wednesday (January 21, 2026) rejected the request from the BCB to shift its team’s T20 World Cup fixtures to Sri Lanka, saying the matches will proceed as scheduled since there was no credible threat to the safety of Bangladesh players, officials or fans at any of the tournament venues in India.
ICC sources told PTI that out of 16 members, 14 voted against BCB’s relocation request. “Of all the members, only BCB and Pakistan voted in favour of the relocation request while all other voted against it. Bangladesh was given time till January 21 to confirm its participation but they have been given one more day by the ICC Board to state their position,” said the ICC source.
The decision was taken at an ICC Board meeting held via video conference, which was convened to discuss the situation after the BCB raised concerns and sought a change in venues.
BCB president Aminul Islam said he is hoping for a miracle from the ICC. “I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC. Who doesn’t want to play in the World Cup? The Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play the World Cup,” he was quoted as saying in a report.
“But we don’t think India is safe for our players. A government doesn’t only consider the players, but they consider all, when it takes a decision.” He said he would speak to the Bangladesh government one more time on the matter.
“I asked the ICC board for time to talk to my government for one last time,” Aminul said in the report.
The crisis was triggered by the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders’ roster for this year’s Indian Premier League on BCCI’s instructions for unspecified “developments all around”.
Citing security concerns and national pride, the BCB responded by announcing its national team won’t travel to India for its T20 World Cup group stage games in Kolkata and Mumbai.
The bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated in recent months, exacerbated by the killings of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Published – January 22, 2026 07:36 am IST
