Bangladesh have been officially replaced by Scotland for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after pulling out of the tournament citing security concerns, with the decision conveyed by the International Cricket Council to the Bangladesh Cricket Board through a formal letter on Saturday.

The ICC’s decision followed a meeting in Dubai on Friday chaired by ICC chairman Jay Shah to determine Bangladesh’s participation. The BCB was informed that Scotland would take their place after Bangladesh failed to reconsider its position despite being given an ultimatum.

Bangladesh had earlier written to the ICC seeking referral of the matter to the dispute resolution committee. However, the committee ruled that it could not function as an appellate body, clearing the way for the ICC to proceed with its final decision.

The BCB subsequently announced its decision to boycott the tournament after a meeting with players, reiterating concerns over security arrangements in India, the host nation for the 2026 edition.

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Scotland, who have featured in five T20 World Cups, were chosen as replacements based on ICC rankings. They last appeared in the tournament in 2022 and 2024, narrowly missing out on the Super 8 stage despite competitive performances.

Scotland will now compete in Group C alongside England, the West Indies, Italy and Nepal. Their campaign begins against the West Indies on February 7 in Kolkata, followed by matches against Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 at the same venue. They will conclude the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

Bangladesh’s withdrawal is believed to be linked to strained diplomatic relations with India, compounded by concerns within the BCB over player security, though the ICC maintained that existing arrangements were adequate and declined to alter the tournament schedule.