# Bangladesh Cricket Team May Be Replaced by Scotland if BCB Refuses India Travel

> Bangladesh’s participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup, and whether they will travel to India, will be decided by January 21. The BCB prefers playing outside India, citing security concerns, while the ICC insists on the o…

Published: 2026-01-19 · Desk: Latest · Source: ESPNcricinfo

A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup, particularly whether the team will travel to India, is expected by January 21, ESPNcricinfo has learned. The ICC reportedly communicated this deadline to the BCB during discussions in Dhaka on Saturday.

In their second meeting within a week, the BCB reaffirmed its desire to play in the T20 World Cup but outside India, suggesting Sri Lanka as the natural alternative co-host. The board has cited security concerns regarding the team traveling to and playing in India, while the ICC remains firm on the original schedule, which places Bangladesh in Group C.

The standoff has persisted for nearly three weeks, following the BCB’s initial communication on January 4, with the tournament’s opening games starting February 7. Bangladesh is set to play West Indies in Kolkata on the opening day, with their next two matches at the same venue and the final group match in Mumbai.

The ICC reportedly rejected BCB’s request to swap groups with Ireland (Group B, playing in Sri Lanka) and has assured there is no specific security threat to Bangladesh. Advisory reports from an independent security agency indicate India’s overall threat level as medium to high, but with no direct threat to traveling teams.

Sources indicate the ICC will await the BCB’s final decision. If Bangladesh declines to travel to India, the ICC is likely to replace them, with Scotland being the probable substitute based on rankings.

The dispute began after the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Mustafizur Rahman from its IPL 2026 squad, with no reason provided. Following this, the Bangladesh government banned IPL broadcasts, and the BCB sent a letter to the ICC refusing to play T20 World Cup matches in India—a position they continue to maintain.

Original reporting: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/t20-world-cup-2026-bangladesh-s-participation-to-be-finalised-by-january-21-1520069?fbclid=IwY2xjawPauQxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzQU1HUnpMdkwzcDhMbld0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHk_V7_ASidUyPpd_0BPwc2MOneGshTKP0Ham6ze2kAx7kq1O1K4fpLeBJ9DN_aem_Jkac19nk-6y0vaPp7gwKWA
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