As many as 200 days ago, when Scotland faced a shocking loss to Jersey in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Europe Region Final 2025, forcing them to miss out on a 20-team T20 World Cup tournament. Cricket Scotland’s confidence was in shambles. After all, they were one of the favourites to qualify for the main tournament among European teams. While the Netherlands qualified alongside an unlikely counterpart in Italy, Scotland missed out. But how the fortunes have turned. In an unprecedented move, Scotland get to know that they are playing the T20 World Cup 2026 just 15 days prior.
Scotland’s sudden entry thanks to Bangladesh
Scotland’s sudden entry into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has left them racing against time in many aspects. But Cricket Scotland chief executive Trudy Lindblade remains confident that visa delays will not derail their participation in the tournament starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
They were drafted into the 20-team event last weekend after Bangladesh were removed for refusing to travel to India over security concerns. The ICC maintained that its assessments found no credible threat, but the late replacement has meant Scotland are now dealing with tight timelines, with visas, sponsorship and even playing kits still being finalised days before departure.
Visa rush, sponsor hunt & last-minute logistics for Scotland
Lindblade confirmed that officials have been working round the clock since receiving the call from ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta. The most immediate concern is visa processing, particularly for players such as Safyaan Sharif, who has Pakistani heritage and could face longer scrutiny periods.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have been invited, but it is certainly in unique and challenging circumstances,” Lindblade told BBC Stumped. “We’re all confident at the moment we can get everybody out there.”
Sharif, who moved to Scotland at the age of seven, is among those expected to require additional clearances. Lindblade said the ICC has offered assurances within its remit and is working closely with the BCCI and local authorities to smooth the process. As a safeguard, Scotland have also applied for visas for two travelling reserves and three non-travelling reserves.
Beyond visas, the team is still without a confirmed tournament sponsor and is waiting on their T20 World Cup playing kit. Lindblade admitted the turnaround is tight. “We’ve got seven days to turn around a sponsor. If we’ve got kits, that’s a bonus. If not, you might see us in our regular Cricket Scotland playing kits,” she said.
Scotland have inherited Bangladesh’s original itinerary and will be based in Bengaluru initially. They are scheduled to play warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Namibia on February 2 and 4 at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Singahalli before opening their Group B campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7. England, Italy and Nepal are the other teams in their group.
Scotland’s schedule at T20 World Cup 2026
| Date | Match | Teams | Venue | Local Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Feb 7 | 2nd Match, Group C | West Indies vs Scotland | Kolkata, Eden Gardens | 3:00 PM |
| Mon, Feb 9 | 7th Match, Group C | Scotland vs Italy | Kolkata, Eden Gardens | 11:00 AM |
| Sat, Feb 14 | 23rd Match, Group C | England vs Scotland | Kolkata, Eden Gardens | 3:00 PM |
| Tue, Feb 17 | 33rd Match, Group C | Scotland vs Nepal | Mumbai, Wankhede Stadium | 7:00 PM |
Scotland squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Richie Berrington (captain), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (wicketkeeper), Brad 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
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