As January 21 creeps closer, one question is doing the rounds in cricket circles: will Bangladesh play 2026 World Cup? It sounds dramatic, but this date is effectively a final deadline. The ICC has made it clear that Bangladesh must decide whether they are willing to travel to India for the tournament. If not, the consequences could be serious. The idea of Bangladesh missing a World Cup still feels unreal, yet whispers of Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup are growing louder by the day.

Why Does This Question Exist At All?

So why are we even asking whether will Bangladesh play 2026 World Cup? The answer lies well beyond cricket. Political tensions between Bangladesh and India have spilled into the sporting arena, creating an uncomfortable situation for players, administrators, and broadcasters alike. The flashpoint came when Mustafizur Rahman was removed from an IPL squad under instructions from Indian authorities. That single decision set off a chain reaction, culminating in Bangladesh raising security concerns about travelling to India. Suddenly, the idea of Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup no longer seemed hypothetical.

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🚨 BREAKING 🚨

Bangladesh likely to decide against travelling to India for T20 World Cup amid security concerns

Additionally, the BCB has revoked Mustafizur Rahman’s NOC to play the IPL pic.twitter.com/u3mcluEdQ9

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) January 4, 2026

Behind closed doors, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has tried to strike a careful balance. They have told the ICC that they want to play in the tournament, but not in India. Their preference is Sri Lanka, the co-host nation, which they see as a neutral and safer alternative. From Bangladesh’s perspective, this is not about refusing to compete, but about risk management. Still, the ICC has stood firm. The schedule, the groups, and the venues are locked in.

The ICC’s Firm Stance

The ICC, for its part, has shown little appetite for compromise. Independent security assessments, conducted by international agencies, reportedly show no specific threat to Bangladesh players in India. On that basis, the governing body sees no reason to shift matches or swap groups. They have also rejected Bangladesh’s request to exchange places with Ireland. From the ICC’s viewpoint, changing one team’s schedule opens the door to endless negotiations. If Bangladesh chooses not to travel, the ICC’s position is clear: that would mean Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup, by their own decision.

🚨BCB has urged the ICC to change their group so that they can play all their league games at the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka

Cricbuzz understands Bangladesh want to swap groups with Ireland pic.twitter.com/yWt4QbBgVl

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) January 17, 2026

This saga highlights how fragile international cricket can be when politics enters the frame. Fans often assume sport exists in a bubble, but this situation proves otherwise. The IPL broadcast ban in Bangladesh, the release of Mustafizur, and the hardening tone on both sides have all fed into a growing mistrust. Even though players themselves may be willing to compete anywhere, boards and governments have the final say. And so the debate over will Bangladesh play 2026 World Cup continues, fuelled by factors no cover drive or yorker can fix.

What Happens If Bangladesh Pull Out?

If the worst-case scenario becomes reality and Bangladesh refuse to travel, the ICC will move quickly. The tournament cannot afford delays. Based on rankings, the most likely beneficiary would be Scotland. This is where Scotland Cricket enters the conversation. For years, Scotland have hovered just outside the elite, competitive but rarely given the biggest stage. A Bangladesh withdrawal could open a door that has long remained closed.

Scotland may replace Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2026 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇧🇩 pic.twitter.com/MZdJMxAbq4

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) January 19, 2026

From a purely sporting perspective, the logic is simple. Scotland Cricket currently sits highest among teams that narrowly missed direct qualification. They have been consistent in bilateral series, competitive in qualifiers, and professional in administration. If the ICC needs a replacement, Scotland tick the boxes. It would be a historic moment for Scotland Cricket, suddenly thrust into a World Cup not through qualifiers, but circumstance.

What This Means For Bangladesh Long-Term?

Regardless of the final decision, the damage may linger. If Bangladesh do not play, relationships with the ICC and other boards could become strained. Future hosting rights, scheduling goodwill, and even player opportunities in overseas leagues may be affected. This is why the question will Bangladesh play 2026 World Cup carries weight beyond one tournament. It is about Bangladesh’s place in the wider cricketing ecosystem.

🚨 SCOTLAND WILL PLAY IN THE WC 2026 INSTEAD OF BANGLADESH 🚨

ICC has asked Bangladesh to inform it of its decision by January 21, otherwise Scotland will play in the World Cup instead of Bangladesh.@ICC @BCBtigers #ISN29 pic.twitter.com/dg1nlA4zFM

— lndian Sports Netwrk (@IS_Netwrk29) January 19, 2026

As January 21 arrives, all eyes will be on the BCB. Do they hold their ground, or do they compromise for the sake of participation? The ICC has made it clear that the tournament will go ahead, with or without Bangladesh. Whether that leads to Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup or a late resolution remains to be seen. One thing is certain: if Scotland Cricket do get the nod, it will be one of the most unexpected twists in recent World Cup history. And for Bangladesh, this episode may serve as a sobering reminder that in modern cricket, decisions off the field can matter just as much as performances on it.