The International Cricket Council has formally informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board that Bangladesh will not feature in the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Scotland stepping in as the replacement following Dhaka’s refusal to travel to India over security concerns.
Sources said senior ICC officials, including chairman Jay Shah, were in Dubai on Friday when the decision was finalised.
Later that evening, an official communication was sent to BCB chairman Aminul Islam Bulbul conveying the global body’s move.
According to an ICC source, the Bangladesh board failed to respond formally within the 24-hour deadline set by the ICC to confirm its participation.
“The BCB did not communicate its decision officially to the ICC within the stipulated time. Instead, a press conference was held in Dhaka before informing the global body, which amounts to a breach of protocol,” the source said, adding that Bangladesh was categorically informed of its replacement.
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The development follows advice from Bangladesh Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, who reportedly cautioned against travelling to India citing security concerns, despite repeated assurances from the ICC.
While Cricket Scotland has not yet received a formal intimation, sources indicated that confirmation is imminent.
Scotland is slated to play its group-stage matches against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 in Kolkata, before facing Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
