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ICC T20 World Cup 2026: With Bangladesh not willing to play their ICC T20 World Cup matches in India, the Bangladesh Cricket Board had requested the International Cricket Council for a swap of groups. 

The BCB wanted ICC to swap groups - where Ireland would be put in Bangladesh's Group B. Bangladesh, pitted in Group C, are supposed to play their matches in Mumbai and Kolkata.

ICC Yet to Approach Cricket Scotland

The apex cricketing body snubbed the request giving the BCB a deadline of January 21 to respond. For the unversed, BCB has not made their participation official. On Monday, multiple reports claimed that Scotland would replace Bangladesh in case the latter decides to opt out. 

But now, we understand that the reality is different. As per a report on the BBC, the ICC has not even approached Cricket Scotland with the request. In the wake of political tensions between India and Bangladesh, the BCB cited security concerns while refusing to send its team to India for the tournament.

But yes, Bangladesh pulling out of the marquee event would open the door for Scotland to replace them. As per BBC, Cricket Scotland is also yet to approach the ICC. 

What About Pakistan? 

The Pakistan Cricket Board has also sided up with Bangladesh and said that they too would withdraw in case the latter decide to do that. 

While it sounds bizarre, PCB could actually risk getting penalised by the ICC if they really do such political posturing. The ICC must take a decisive stand to prevent further disruption and safeguard the tournament's intehrity.