ICC Replaces Bangladesh with Scotland for T20 World Cup Amid Security Impasse
DUBAI, UAE — The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially removed Bangladesh from the upcoming T20 World Cup on Saturday, naming Scotland as their replacement. The decision follows a prolonged deadlock over security concerns raised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding matches scheduled in India.
The BCB had requested its fixtures be moved to Sri Lanka, citing a “real and verifiable” threat. However, the ICC rejected the demand, stating no credible threat was found. When the BCB failed to confirm participation by the Saturday deadline, the ICC activated its qualification protocols to invite Scotland, the highest-ranked non-qualified side.
The dispute is rooted in strained geopolitical relations, recently highlighted by the removal of bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. While Bangladesh sports adviser Asif Nazrul criticized the ICC for failing to address specific grievances, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi slammed the “double standards” of the governing body, hinting that Pakistan’s own participation remains subject to government approval.
