ICC recently removed Bangladesh from T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: X]In a significant development, the Bangladesh government allowed its shooting team to visit India for the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championship. The development comes right after the Bangladesh government cited security concerns for the T20 World Cup 2026, prompting the ICC to officially replace the Tigers with Scotland in the marquee event. It's worth mentioning that the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championship will be held in India from February 2 to 14. The Bangladesh government has allowed its shooters to participate in the event, while barring the cricketers from playing the T20 World Cup 2026 on Indian soil. Bangladesh government's hypocrisy exposed after ICC T20 World Cup ousterRecently, the Bangladesh Cricket Board suffered a major setback when the ICC officially removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup. Scotland made a wildcard entry into the tournament, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, after the BCB failed to meet the ICC's demands. Although Bangladesh's ouster initially seemed unlikely, the ICC took the bold step after the Bangladeshi government refused to allow the players to participate in the global cricketing tournament. After the BCCI snubbed experienced fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026, the BCB took a reactionary step, revolting against the ICC and asking the apex body to relocate Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka. However, the ICC delegation committee expressed its satisfaction with the security arrangements in India. It also cited logistical issues as the primary reason the matches couldn't be shifted from India to Sri Lanka a few days before the World Cup. Meanwhile, soon after the ICC sidelined Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026, the Bangladesh government cleared its shooting team to visit India for the Rifle and Pistol Championship. The event will be conducted at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in New Delhi. This simply contrasts with their refusal to send the T20 World Cup team, exposing the ruling party's hypocrisy. Pakistan yet to confirm T20 World Cup participationPakistan was miffed by the ICC's decision to expel Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026. In fact, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi openly expressed his dissatisfaction, urging the ICC to maintain neutrality and cater to the interests of each participating team. Despite announcing a fifteen-member squad for the marquee event, the PCB hasn't made it clear whether Pakistan will feature in the mega event. According to the latest updates, Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup is in the government's hands. The Pakistani government is expected to take a final call on the matter on either Friday or Monday. Having said that, the ICC could impose hefty sanctions on the PCB if Pakistan withdraws from the T20 World Cup, which they are supposed to play on Sri Lankan soil. Scotland reveal squad for T20 World Cup 2026On the other hand, Scotland have announced their squad for the marquee event after receiving an official invitation from the ICC to play the T20 World Cup. Led by Richie Berrington, the Scottish team will feature in the group C matches that Bangladesh were initially supposed to play against the West Indies, Italy, England and Nepal.
