Uncertainty continues to surround Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 as the reported January 21 deadline set by the International Cricket Council draws closer. Speculation has grown that the ICC may consider dropping Bangladesh from the tournament if the ongoing dispute over venue concerns remains unresolved, with Scotland emerging as a possible replacement.

Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul addressed the issue on Tuesday, stating that the government has not received any official communication from the ICC regarding exclusion from the event. He made it clear that Dhaka would not give in to what it views as unfair pressure to send the team to India.

Nazrul emphasised that Bangladesh had requested a change of venue on “logical grounds” and would not accept any coercive measures. He pointed out that there have been previous instances where the ICC altered venues when India declined to travel to Pakistan, arguing that similar flexibility should be shown in Bangladesh’s case.

“We have not been formally told that Bangladesh will be replaced by Scotland. But if the ICC acts under pressure and imposes unreasonable conditions, we will not agree to them,” he said while speaking to the media.

The ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board have reportedly held multiple discussions in recent weeks to find a solution. According to media reports, the global cricket body has sought a final confirmation from the BCB by January 21 on whether the team will travel to India for the tournament.

Should Bangladesh decline, the ICC is expected to nominate another team based on rankings, with Scotland currently viewed as the frontrunner.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7. Bangladesh are slated to play their opening match against West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by group fixtures against Italy, England and Nepal. However, their participation now hinges on the outcome of the ongoing standoff.