Scotland have formally secured their spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after being named as Bangladesh’s replacement, and preparations are already underway for their arrival in India. Cricket Scotland confirmed that the team will travel soon to get accustomed to local conditions ahead of the global tournament.

The International Cricket Council extended a formal invitation to Scotland following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the event over unresolved security concerns. Despite repeated assurances from the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board stood firm on its decision, prompting the governing body to activate its contingency plan and bring Scotland into the competition.

Cricket Scotland acknowledged the rare opportunity in an official communication to the ICC, recognising that the chance to compete arose under exceptional circumstances. Chief Executive Trudy Lindblade confirmed that the invitation had been accepted without hesitation, describing it as a major moment for Scottish cricket.

She said the squad has already been in training mode for upcoming international commitments and is now shifting focus toward early arrival in India to adapt to pitches, climate and match conditions. Lindblade added that competing on one of cricket’s biggest stages would be an invaluable experience for the players.

Scotland’s inclusion was finalised after a key ICC meeting in Dubai chaired by Jay Shah. Bangladesh made a final attempt to delay the decision by requesting arbitration through the ICC’s dispute resolution mechanism, but the panel ruled it had no authority to overturn the governing body’s call. With Bangladesh unwilling to backtrack, the ICC moved ahead with Scotland as the replacement.

Although Scotland did not qualify through the European qualifiers, their higher ICC ranking made them the next eligible team. The side has featured in five T20 World Cups so far and earned praise in recent editions for pushing heavyweight teams, including strong performances against Australia and England in 2024.

Now slotted into Group C, Scotland will face England, West Indies, Italy and Nepal. Their World Cup journey begins against the West Indies in Kolkata on February 7, followed by matches against Italy and England at Eden Gardens, before wrapping up the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

Cricket Scotland is expected to announce its final 15-member squad shortly as preparations intensify for their World Cup return.