New Delhi: Bangladesh has refused to play T20 World Cup 2026 in India. After Bangladesh’s decision to boycott, the biggest question is which team will play in its place in the T20 World Cup. If we look at the latest equation, the Scotland team can now be seen playing in the World Cup starting from 7th February.
However, ICC (International Cricket Council) has not yet taken any official decision regarding this. Now understand how the Scotland team can be seen playing in the T20 World Cup. However, Scotland had failed to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup. It was left behind Netherlands, Italy and Jersey in the European qualifiers. Because of this he was not allowed to enter the tournament. Now ICC has excluded Bangladesh, so Scotland can get direct entry into the World Cup, although no official announcement has been made.
Why will only Scotland get a chance in the T20 World Cup?
In the Europe Qualifiers (in July 2025), Scotland lost to Italy and Jersey in their last matches. Then in that points table, Netherlands was on top, Italy was second, Jersey was third, and Scotland was fourth. Therefore Scotland could not qualify directly for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Now ICC may take a decision on the basis of rankings, Scotland is at number 14 in the ICC T20 rankings, which is the highest ranked team among the teams not participating in the tournament. This rule has been applied before as well, like in 2009 when Scotland got a chance when Zimbabwe was out. Although the Scotland team was out of the qualifiers, but because of the ranking they are the “next best” team. That’s why the ICC selected him as a replacement and not from the qualifiers, a rare but legitimate procedure in cricket when a team is eliminated midway.
Bangladesh boycotted playing T20 World Cup in India
After a meeting with the players of the Bangladesh national team on January 22 in Dhaka, Asif Nazrul, sports advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, had made a big allegation against the ICC. He said that ICC has not done justice to Bangladesh. Along with this, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has once again made it clear that it is not ready to go to India and play for the T20 World Cup.
After the meeting, BCB, players and sports advisors together decided that they will wait for the ICC’s decision to change the venue. However, ICC has already given an ultimatum that the venue of matches outside India will not be changed. Bangladesh Cricket Board is adamant on its decision that T20 World Cup matches should be held in Sri Lanka instead of India. The board says that in the current circumstances, going to India and playing is not right for the safety of the players.
Asif Nazrul said- We will not bow down to any pressure. The world should understand what will be the consequences if Bangladesh does not play the World Cup. We cannot compromise with the safety of our players. Despite ICC’s strictness, Bangladesh is firm on its stand. Due to this entire controversy, there is uncertainty over the T20 World Cup and now everyone’s eyes are on the next decision of the ICC. But ICC had already said on January 21 that it will have to play World Cup matches in India. On January 21, out of total 16 countries voting, 14 voted against Bangladesh’s proposal, while only 2 countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh, voted in its support. After which Bangladesh was on the backfoot.
Why did the dispute happen, how did the tension between India and Bangladesh arise?
In recent times, relations between India and Bangladesh were strained when atrocities against minority Hindus were witnessed in the neighboring country. Its effect was later seen on cricket also. After this there were protests from Mustafizur Rahman, Shahrukh Khan and Kolkata Knight Riders franchise. Due to which Rahman’s contract was terminated and he was thrown out of IPL 2026. After this Bangladesh also banned IPL telecast. Later, the demand for holding the T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka intensified. Which was not accepted by ICC. And on January 22, Bangladesh refused to play the World Cup in India.
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