Bangladesh gets final warning from ICC; replacement fixed for T20 World Cup 2026

Bangladesh cricket - (Source: X.Com)

In a significant development, the ICC has made up its mind regarding the Bangladesh saga and has given an ultimatum to the BCB, instructing them to play in India or exit the T20 World Cup 2026. The two parties held a meeting on Wednesday, January 21, where the Jay Shah-led council conveyed their decision to the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

The ICC took to social media platform where they confirmed that a delegate listened to Bangladesh’s concerns and came to the conclusion that there is no security threat in India.

BCB gets 1 day extension

Therefore, on Wednesday, the delegate held a vote, where the majority of the members came to a conclusion that Bangladesh should be removed from the T20 World Cup 2026 if they still refuse to come to India. Only two members voted in Bangladesh's favour.

The press statement also added that the members have given BCB a day to decide whether they want to stay firm on their earlier stance or change their minds and travel to India for the World Cup. If not, Scotland will replace The Tigers for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Why will Scotland replace Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2026?

According to direct qualification rules, the top 7 teams from the previous tournament, excluding hosts, earn a direct qualification for the next edition. At present, Bangladesh are ranked ninth, and the team below them earns a qualification spot for the T20 World Cup 2026 if Bangladesh are removed from the tournament.

Interestingly, Afghanistan, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and the Netherlands are already part of the World Cup. Meanwhile, Scotland, who are 14th on the list, will earn a qualification and will be placed in group C alongside England, Italy, the West Indies, and Nepal.

For the unversed, Scotland missed out on T20 World Cup qualification after they finished fourth on the table in European qualifiers with just a solitary win in four matches. Interestingly, if Scotland replaces the Bengal in the T20 World Cup, then it will be their 7th appearance in the tournament. 

Why are Bangladesh adamant on not travelling to India for the T20 World Cup 2026?

Tensions escalated in December after the brutal lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu factory worker in Bangladesh, an incident that sparked strong reactions in India and led to rising dissent on social media.

Eventually, KKR released Mustafizur Rahman from the team for IPL 2026 after BCCI intervened, which caused an uproar in Bangladesh. The BCB felt disrespected and sought action against the BCCI. Therefore, as a retaliatory move, Bangladesh refused to travel to India.

Besides the Mustafizur Rahman, BCB tried to rope in Pakistan to join them and support their plea to put pressure on the ICC. However, nothing of that sort has helped their case and the council remained unfazed by the protest. Now, the BCB have a tough decision in their hands to bow out of the World Cup or put aside their demands.