In Focus by The Hindu ICC T20 World Cup: Why was Bangladesh replaced by Scotland?
Jan 28, 2026
Amol Karhadkar, sports journalist from The Hindu’s Sports Bureau, unpacks the saga behind Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland at the T20 World Cup. He traces the timeline from an IPL player release to BCB security demands. He discusses ICC security reviews, logistical pressures, BCCI authority over contracts, questions of fairness and shifting cricket diplomacy.
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Opaque BCCI Directive Sparked Crisis
- The sequence began when the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman after the auction, citing vague "recent developments."
- Amol Karhadkar highlights the lack of clarity from BCCI about what those developments were and how that sparked the crisis.
Security Claims Led To Standoff
- Bangladesh quickly claimed player safety risks and sought relocation of its World Cup matches out of India.
- The ICC said it conducted independent security reviews and found no direct threat, setting up a standoff.
Ultimatum Forced Replacement
- Bangladesh demanded all its matches be shifted to Sri Lanka or it would not participate.
- With time running out, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland to preserve the tournament schedule.