Cricket Scotland breaks silence as ICC kicks Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup 2026

Scotland will play in T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: @desisigma/x.com]

Cricket can be a funny old game as one minute you are training for tours and the next minute you are packing your bags for a World Cup. That is exactly what has happened with Scotland.

Cricket Scotland have confirmed that the ICC officially invited Scotland to play the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. They have accepted the invite and are now set to take part in the tournament. This development comes after Bangladesh withdrew from the competition, leading the ICC to bring Scotland in as a replacement.

Scotland Replace Bangladesh in Group C

Cricket Scotland announced that Scotland will take Bangladesh’s place in Group C of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The statement makes it clear that the ICC has already confirmed the switch.

“The ICC has confirmed Scotland will replace Bangladesh in Group C, after Bangladesh withdrew from the competition.”

That is a massive moment for Scottish cricket. These opportunities don’t come everyday and Scotland have grabbed it with both hands.

While the news has already sent Scottish fans into celebration mode, Cricket Scotland also said that squad selection details will be announced soon.

“Details around squad selection for the tournament will be shared in the coming days.”

Cricket Scotland CEO reacts to dramatic T20 World Cup 2026 entry

Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Trudy Lindblade revealed that she personally received the ICC message earlier in the day. And she confirmed Scotland accepted the opportunity instantly.

“Earlier today I received correspondence from the ICC asking if our men’s team would play at the Men’s T20 World Cup, and we have accepted.”

Lindblade also thanked the ICC for the invitation and admitted the circumstances behind it.

“We are grateful to the ICC for extending this invite. This is an exciting opportunity for Scotland’s players to compete on the global stage in front of millions of supporters. We also acknowledge this opportunity has arisen out of challenging and unique circumstances.”

Scotland know this moment has come because of an unusual situation. But in sport, you don’t ask too many questions. You take your chance and make it count.

Scotland’s squad has already been training for weeks and now they will be arriving in India soon to settle in and get used to local conditions.

“Our squad have been training for some weeks in preparation for upcoming tours and are now preparing to arrive in India imminently to acclimatise to local conditions, ready to play and contribute to what should be a fantastic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup," Lindblade added. 

ICC Chair Jay Shah called Cricket Scotland to confirm invite

Cricket Scotland Chair Wilf Walsh also confirmed a direct call from ICC Chair Jay Shah, where the invitation was officially communicated.

“I welcomed a call from ICC Chair Jay Shah earlier today confirming that Scotland will receive an invitation to play at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. I was pleased to accept on behalf of our team, who are willing and ready to go.”

Walsh also thanked the ICC again and said Scotland are ready for the big fight.

“We thank the ICC for this opportunity and look forward to competing with some of the best sides in the world in India in the coming weeks.”

This is a chance for Scotland to punch above their weight. A chance to turn heads, chance to ruin someone’s party because that is what underdogs do in World Cups.