Dark clouds over Bangladesh’s participation in T20 World Cup 2026 continue to loom. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) seemed to have reached an impasse. It is up to BCB and their government to decide whether they want to remain firm on their stand of not playing T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India or risk forfeit. If Bangladesh pull out of the mega event, Scotland is expected to replace them as per the ICC T20I rankings. However, the ICC is yet to contact the Scotland cricket officials.
As per a report by the BBC, Cricket Scotland is yet to receive any communication from the apex cricket board about potentially replacing Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the cricket officials in Scotland apparently don't want to initiate any conversation with the ICC until and unless the decision is final as they don't intend to disrespect the Bangladesh team.
The January 21 ultimatum, no group stage swap with Ireland
Earlier, on January 19, Sports Tak had reported that ICC has given BCB an ultimatum. BCB has until January 21 to respond as their request to play T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India as been declined. Citing security concerns after Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, BCB wants to play in Sri Lanka, the co-hosts of the mega event or any other neutral venue. They also proposed the idea of a group swap with Ireland.
Cricket Ireland has confirmed that the ICC has reassured that their group won't be changed. Ireland are in Group C alongside Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe and Oman. Their matches will be played in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Bangladesh are a part of Group B featuring West Indies, England, Nepal and Italy. The Group B matches are scheduled to take place in Kolkata and Mumbai.
"We've received definitive assurances that we won't move from the original schedule. We're definitely playing the Group Stage in Sri Lanka," Cricket Ireland said in a statement.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to commence on February 7. Just over a couple weeks prior to the tournament opener, a call on Bangladesh’s participation will be taken by the ICC after the BCB’s final response.