Scotland has agreed to step in for Bangladesh in the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to commence on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. The decision came after the ICC announced that Bangladesh would not participate due to scheduling conflicts, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board expressing concerns about playing in India.
The Scotland team, which has been training for weeks, will head to India promptly to prepare for the tournament. Cricket Scotland mentioned that specifics regarding the squad selection will be disclosed shortly. The team expressed gratitude for the opportunity and is eager to compete against top international sides in India.
Scotland is slated to face England, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies in Group C matches, with most games scheduled in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Despite being ranked 14th, Scotland missed the initial qualification but now enters the tournament as a replacement team. Notably, Scotland had participated in the 2009 T20 World Cup after Zimbabwe’s withdrawal.
Acknowledging the unique circumstances, Cricket Scotland’s Chief Executive highlighted the team’s readiness to compete on the global stage. The squad has been preparing for upcoming tours and is ready to acclimatize to Indian conditions swiftly. This unexpected opportunity allows Scotland’s players to showcase their skills at the prestigious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
