বুধবার, ১৩ মে ২০২৬, ০৪:২৬ পূর্বাহ্ন
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity, The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 today (24 January), reports Cricbuzz.
The decision comes after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) failed to comply with a 24-hour ultimatum issued by the global governing body to confirm their participation in the tournament, scheduled to begin on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, a final decision on the matter was taken on Saturday morning. In a letter, ICC Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta informed members of the ICC Board that Bangladesh’s demand was not consistent with ICC regulations.
Cricbuzz believes that in this letter, sent to all board members, Gupta stated that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was not complying with the ICC Board’s decision and that, as a result, there was no option but to invite another country to take Bangladesh’s place in the T20 World Cup. That country is Scotland. A copy of the letter was also sent to BCB President and ICC Board member Aminul Islam. However, the BCB has yet to comment on the matter.
Last Wednesday, the ICC communicated its final decision—if Bangladesh want to play in the T20 World Cup, they must do so in India. Following this, the BCB sought 24 hours from the ICC to consult with the government. However, even within this period, the government’s position did not change. Bangladesh’s final decision is that it will not take part in this year’s T20 World Cup due to security concerns in India if the ICC does not change the venue.
Afterwards, the BCB requested the ICC to refer Bangladesh’s demand to an independent Dispute Resolution Committee.
Last Wednesday, the ICC communicated its final decision—if Bangladesh want to play in the T20 World Cup, they must do so in India. Following this, the BCB sought 24 hours from the ICC to consult with the government. However, even within this period, the government’s position did not change. Bangladesh’s final decision is that it will not take part in this year’s T20 World Cup due to security concerns in India if the ICC does not change the venue.
Afterwards, the BCB requested the ICC to refer Bangladesh’s demand to an independent Dispute Resolution Committee.
On 3 January, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dropped Mustafizur from the IPL following threats from extremist groups in India. Raising the question of how India would ensure the safety of the Bangladesh team, as well as Bangladeshi supporters and journalists, if it could not guarantee the security of a single player, the BCB demanded that Bangladesh’s matches be moved to Sri Lanka, a co-host of the tournament. However, in the ICC board meeting, a majority of member countries voted against changing the venue.
