New Delhi: The International Cricket Council has formally informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board that the national team has been replaced by Scotland in the upcoming T20 World Cup after Bangladesh refused to travel to India citing security concerns, sources said.
Senior ICC officials, including chairman Jay Shah, were in Dubai on Friday when the decision was finalised. An email was sent late in the evening to BCB chairman Aminul Islam Bulbul, conveying that Bangladesh had forfeited its spot after failing to respond within the stipulated deadline.
According to an ICC official familiar with the matter, the Bangladesh Cricket Board did not officially communicate its decision to the ICC within the 24-hour window provided to confirm participation. Instead, the board addressed the issue through a press conference in Dhaka, which was termed a violation of protocol.
The official said the BCB was clearly informed that its place in the tournament had been allotted to Scotland. Bangladesh’s reluctance followed advice from Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul, who recommended against travelling to India despite repeated security assurances from the ICC.
Meanwhile, Cricket Scotland has stated that it is yet to receive formal confirmation, though sources indicated that the announcement is imminent.
Scotland is scheduled to play four group-stage matches, facing West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 in Kolkata, before meeting Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.
