(Web Desk) – Cricket Scotland has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The European side was drafted into the competition at short notice after negotiations between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council failed to reach a resolution.
Experienced top-order batter Richie Berrington will captain Scotland in the 20-team tournament, which is scheduled to begin in February 2026. The squad includes 11 players who featured in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, held across the West Indies and the United States in 2024, providing continuity and tournament experience despite the late inclusion.
Squad selection
The selection introduces three players set to appear at a T20 World Cup for the first time. Tom Bruce, Finlay McCreath and Oliver Davidson have all been included following recent domestic performances, while Afghanistan-born fast bowler Zainullah Ihsan has earned his maiden international call-up shortly after qualifying to represent Scotland.
In addition to the main squad, Cricket Scotland has named two travelling reserves and three non-travelling reserves. The governing body confirmed that all selections remain subject to visa approvals, citing the late notice of Scotland’s entry into the tournament.
Introducing your Scotland squad heading to the ICC Men's #T20WorldCup in India and Sri Lanka https://t.co/cmtJB52phQ pic.twitter.com/2EQgZb5CdH
— Cricket Scotland (@CricketScotland) January 26, 2026Bangladesh’s removal followed its formal request to relocate its fixtures from India to Sri Lanka earlier this month. The request was linked to the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders releasing pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, a move that triggered concerns raised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Despite multiple discussions between the BCB and the ICC, no compromise was reached. The ICC ultimately rejected the request, stating that the tournament schedule would remain unchanged and issuing a 24-hour ultimatum. Bangladesh maintained its stance, prompting the ICC to replace them in Group C, citing the absence of any credible or verifiable security threat.
Scotland have been slotted directly into Group C of the tournament and will open their campaign against West Indies on February 7 in Kolkata. The European side will remain in the city for two further group-stage fixtures against Italy on February 9 and England on February 14.
The team will then travel to Mumbai to face Nepal in their final group-stage match on February 17, completing a demanding schedule across two major Indian venues. Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Trudy Lindeled acknowledged the unusual circumstances surrounding the team’s inclusion. She expressed sympathy for Bangladesh, describing the situation as far from ideal while confirming that preparations were already underway for the opening fixture.
Lindeled noted that qualification for global tournaments typically follows a defined pathway and that no side would wish to enter under extraordinary conditions. She added that Scotland had accepted the invitation after being formally approached by the ICC.
Scotland had originally failed to qualify for the tournament after losses to Italy and Jersey in the Europe Regional Final last July, making their inclusion a significant and unexpected development ahead of the global event.
Scotland squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Richie Berrington (captain), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal.
Travelling reserves: Jasper Davidson, Jack Jarvis
Non-travelling reserves: Mackenzie Jones, Chris McBride, Charlie Tear