'Not how we wanted to go...': Scotland breaks silence on Bangladesh's ouster from T20 World Cup

Cricket Scotland's chief executive, Trudy Lindblade was sympathetic towards Bangladesh following their ouster from the 2026 T20 World Cup. Scotland replaced Bangladesh from the tournament as the latter remained adamant to not travel to India and eventually pulled out. With Bangladesh out, Scotland got added to the competition despite failing to qualify through the regional European qualifiers. This was done because Scotland was the highest-ranked team that wasn't a part of the 20-team tournament.

Lindblade said that this not the way they wanted to play the T20 World Cup and acknowledged the unique circumstances that led to their qualification.

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"We certainly have (sympathy) for the Bangladesh team. Obviously, this is not how we wanted to go to a World Cup. There is a qualification process, and nobody wants to qualify or attend or be invited to a World Cup in the way that we have done. We acknowledge it is certainly unique circumstances by our participation, and we do feel for the Bangladesh players," Lindblade said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Lindblade opens up on criticism

Lindblade was also asked about the criticism that the Scotland team have received after replacing Bangladesh from the tournament. However, she said that the team isn't that concerned about other people's views and pointed out that they are one of the stronger sides in the world. They are ranked 14th in the world when it comes to the ICC Rankings.

"I wouldn't use those words. People will have their views, and they are entitled to their views. All we know is that we have been invited to participate in the World Cup. We are a team that is ranked 14th in the world. We are also a strong team that plays consistently throughout the year," Lindblade stated.

"That World Cup [qualifier] for us was not how we normally play, and therefore we are just pleased to be at this World Cup... We are happy to step in, although it is unique and challenging circumstances, and we absolutely recognise that," she added.

Scotland name their squad for T20 WC

Scotland have announced their team for the T20 World Cup and have named Richie Berrington as their captain. They have also decided to give a maiden call-up to Afghanistan-born pacer Zainullah Ihsan. They have been placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup alongside the likes of England, Italy, Nepal, West Indies and will begin their campaign with the clash against West Indies on February 7.

Scotland's squad for T20 World Cup: Richie Berrington, Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal