DUBAI / DHAKA – In a historic and controversial move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially removed Bangladesh from the upcoming 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. The decision comes after a three-week standoff between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over the team's refusal to travel to India for their group-stage matches.
Scotland has been formally invited to take Bangladesh's spot in Group C, with the tournament set to begin on February 7, 2026.
The Core of the Controversy:
The crisis began in early January 2026, following the sudden removal of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), reportedly under instructions from the BCCI. This sparked a diplomatic and political row, leading the Bangladesh interim government to advise the BCB against traveling to India, citing "security concerns" and "national dignity."
Despite the BCB’s request to move their fixtures to a neutral venue (specifically Sri Lanka), the ICC Board voted 14–2 against the relocation. The ICC stated that independent security assessments found "no credible or verifiable threat" to the Bangladesh team in India.
The "Double Standard" Allegation:
The decision has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with BCB President Aminul Islam and Bangladesh Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul accusing the ICC of "double standards." They pointed to the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India was allowed to play its matches in Dubai instead of traveling to Pakistan.
"When a country refused to travel for the Champions Trophy, the ICC organized a neutral venue. Why is that same justice denied to us?" questioned Aminul Islam.

Financial and Sporting Fallout:
The exclusion is expected to have a devastating impact on Bangladesh cricket:
-
Revenue Loss: The BCB could lose up to $27 million, nearly 60% of its annual income.
-
Fines: Under the Member Participation Agreement, the ICC may impose a fine of up to $2 million.
-
Rankings: Bangladesh’s absence from a marquee event will significantly damage their global standing.
New Group C Fixtures (Replacing Bangladesh with Scotland)
The ICC has released the updated schedule. Scotland will now face a challenging path in Group C:
| DATE |
Match |
Venue |
| Feb 7 |
Scotland vs West Indies |
Kolkata |
| Feb 9 |
Scotland vs Italy |
Kolkata |
| Feb 14 |
Scotland vs England |
Kolkata |
| Feb 17 |
Scotland vs Nepal |
Mumbai |
What’s Next?
The BCB has reportedly approached the ICC’s independent Dispute Resolution Committee, though experts suggest the chances of reversing the board's decision are slim. Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also weighed in, supporting Bangladesh's stance and hinting that Pakistan may consult its own government before confirming participation.