The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not approached Scotland about replacing Bangladesh at next month’s men’s T20 World Cup, though Scottish players say they would be ready if needed.
Bangladesh recently informed the ICC that they would not travel to India for the tournament due to political tensions and requested their matches be moved to another venue.
As the highest-ranked team not in the tournament, Scotland could be considered if Bangladesh withdraws, but Cricket Scotland has not been contacted and is not initiating talks, out of respect for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Read more: Bangladesh not to accept any illogical ICC conditions under Indian pressure: Sports Adviser
Scotland missed out on the 2026 T20 World Cup after finishing fourth in last summer’s Europe Qualifier, with the Netherlands and Italy claiming the two available spots. Their players are currently training ahead of a one-day international tri-series with Namibia and Oman in Windhoek in March.
A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation and travel to India is expected by Wednesday. The ICC has not clarified how it would select a replacement team if a participant withdraws.
Previously, Scotland replaced Zimbabwe at the 2009 T20 World Cup after Zimbabwe pulled out for political reasons. With current T20 World Cup qualifications conducted regionally, any replacement decision is likely to be at the ICC’s discretion. Scotland is currently ranked 14th in the ICC T20 rankings.
The ICC could also move Bangladesh’s matches to a less politically sensitive area in India or transfer their games to co-host Sri Lanka. Reports suggest the BCB has requested a group swap with Ireland, whose matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka. Cricket Ireland said its schedule remains unchanged but it is monitoring the situation closely.
Read more: Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup deadlock: Ireland rejects group swap, Pakistan sides with BCB
#With inputs from BBC