T20 World Cup: ICC Officially Eliminates Bangladesh, Names Scotland As Replacement

New Delhi: Bangladesh has officially been eliminated from the 2026 T20 World Cup. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the tournament. The ICC informed Bangladesh of this decision in a letter.

Following Bangladesh's withdrawal, Scotland has been given a place in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Scotland has been placed in Group C, where they will face teams like England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy.

What is the row over Bangladesh's participation at T20 World Cup?

The dispute between Bangladesh and the ICC had been ongoing for about three weeks. Bangladesh insisted that it would not play its World Cup matches in India and demanded that its matches be shifted to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC made it clear that Bangladesh would have to play its matches in India.

Ultimately, the ICC board approved holding Bangladesh's matches in India by a 14-2 majority vote. An independent security assessment had indicated a "low to moderate" threat level.

This entire controversy began after the IPL auction, when Kolkata Knight Riders included Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in their team for a hefty sum of 9.20 crore. However, this was met with opposition in India, due to reports of atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. Following this, the BCCI released Rahman from the IPL.

Why did the BCCI anger Bangladesh?

The BCCI's decision angered the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which threatened to boycott the World Cup. The BCB wrote a letter to the ICC stating that it would not play its matches in India and demanded that its matches be shifted to Sri Lanka or Pakistan.

Bangladesh argued that the safety of its players could be at risk in India. However, the ICC's security report denied any potential threat. Finally, the ICC made it clear that Bangladesh would have to play its matches in India; otherwise, it would be removed from the tournament. When Bangladesh refused to back down, the ICC held a vote, which Bangladesh also lost. And now Bangladesh has been replaced by Scotland.