Overview
- The ICC confirmed Bangladesh’s removal from the 2026 T20 World Cup after it failed to commit to the published schedule, installing Scotland in Group C with England, West Indies, Italy and Nepal.
- ICC statements said internal and independent reviews found no credible security threat in India and that a late venue switch was not feasible, following a board vote that overwhelmingly rejected Bangladesh’s request.
- Pakistan’s PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi criticized the decision as “double standards” and said a final call on participation would follow consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
- Multiple outlets reported that the ICC has warned Pakistan of potential penalties, including suspending bilateral series, denying NOCs for foreign PSL players and excluding Pakistan from the Asia Cup, if it withdraws.
- PCB sources said options under consideration include boycotting the February 15 group match against India in Colombo, even as Pakistan announced a 15-man squad and remains scheduled to play all Group A games in Sri Lanka.