The International Cricket Council has officially confirmed that Scotland will replace Bangladesh at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, after the Bangladesh Cricket Board declined to participate under the tournament’s published match schedule. The decision was formally announced on Saturday, ending weeks of uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation. The ICC said Bangladesh would no longer compete in the tournament after the BCB refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns, despite repeated assurances from the governing body. Scotland have been drafted into Group C, where they will join England, Italy, Nepal and the West Indies. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7. In its official statement, the ICC said it had rejected the BCB’s request to relocate Bangladesh’s matches from India to Sri Lanka — a co-host of the tournament — after determining that there was no credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh team. The ICC said the decision followed an extensive engagement process lasting more than three weeks, during which it held multiple rounds of discussions with the BCB through video conferences and in-person meetings. “As part of this process, the ICC reviewed the concerns raised by the BCB, commissioned and considered independent security assessments from internal and external experts, and shared detailed security and operational plans,” the statement said. According to the ICC, these plans covered federal and state-level security arrangements, as well as enhanced and escalating protocols for teams, officials and supporters. The assurances were reiterated at several stages, including discussions involving the ICC Business Corporation Board. “The ICC’s assessments concluded that there was no credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh national team, officials or supporters in India,” the statement added. Given these findings and the proximity of the tournament, the ICC said it was not feasible to amend the event schedule. The board also cited broader implications for governance and consistency in global events. Following an ICC board meeting on Wednesday, the BCB was given a 24-hour deadline to confirm whether Bangladesh would travel to India as scheduled. When no confirmation was received within that timeframe, the ICC proceeded with its established governance and qualification procedures to identify a replacement team. Scotland were selected as they are the next-highest ranked T20I side to narrowly miss out on direct qualification. They are currently ranked 14th in the ICC T20I rankings, ahead of teams such as Namibia, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, the United States, Canada, Oman and Italy. With this decision, Bangladesh will miss the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, while Scotland earn a late entry into the tournament through ICC’s official replacement process.
Babar and Shaheen Back as Pakistan Finalise Squad for Australia T20Is
Pakistan have recalled senior stars Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the upcoming T20I series against Australia, signalling a shift back to experience as selectors announced a 16-member squad on Friday for the three-match contest in Lahore later this month. The duo had been rested for Pakistan’s recent T20I series against Sri Lanka, where Shadab Khan made his return to international cricket. Shadab has retained his place and will lead a strong spin-bowling group that includes Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board. The T20I series will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, with matches scheduled for January 29, January 31 and February 1, all starting at 4pm PKT. The PCB said Pakistan’s players and support staff are expected to assemble in Lahore on January 24, with preparations for the series set to begin the following day. Australia will arrive in Pakistan on January 28, marking only their second T20I series on Pakistani soil, following a solitary match played in Lahore in April 2022. A day earlier, Babar Azam confirmed that he would miss the remainder of the Big Bash League after being recalled for a national training camp ahead of the series. Australia have already announced their 17-member squad for the tour and have opted to rest several senior players, including Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis. Pakistan T20I Squad (16 Players) Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq Player Support Personnel Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (performance analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmed (media manager), Lt Col (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Dr Raheel Karim (psychiatrist), Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)
T20 World Cup 2026: Haris Rauf Says Captain Can Make or Break Selection
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has underlined the importance of strong captaincy in modern cricket, saying a captain plays a decisive role in unlocking a player’s potential and shaping careers. He stressed that criticism hurts players deeply, adding that national team members feel the pain of defeat just as much as fans do. Speaking in a special interview, Rauf said he does not consider Australian pitches his personal preference but acknowledged that beginning his professional career in Australia proved pivotal to his growth as a cricketer. He explained that early exposure to Australian conditions, culture, and competitive standards helped him mature both on and off the field. Rauf credited Marnus Stoinis, captain of the Melbourne Stars, for playing a key role in shaping his Big Bash League journey. According to Rauf, Stoinis’ trust and leadership gave him the confidence to bowl aggressively and express himself as a fast bowler. Comparing leagues, Rauf said there is a noticeable difference between the Big Bash League and the Pakistan Super League. He described the BBL as one of the world’s top T20 leagues, featuring elite international players, while noting that the PSL continues to grow and is expected to attract more overseas stars following future auctions. Addressing criticism faced by players, Rauf said there is a fine line between constructive criticism and outright disrespect — a boundary that is often crossed. He emphasised that he has always given his 100 percent while representing Pakistan, adding that his primary role as a fast bowler is to take wickets rather than focus solely on restricting runs. Rauf described bowling in the death overs as the most demanding responsibility in T20 cricket, a role he is frequently assigned. He revealed that Melbourne Stars management encouraged him to attack batters instead of bowling defensively, telling him that top-class batters are often uncomfortable facing him at full pace. The fast bowler also dismissed suggestions that he is going through a rough phase, stating that he has delivered consistent performances since the Asia Cup. He noted that criticism tends to persist regardless of form, once again highlighting that a captain’s support can either elevate a player or undermine their confidence.
National Duty Ends Babar Azam’s Big Bash Run as Sixers Face Finals Blow
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been forced to cut short his Big Bash League stint after being recalled by his national side, ruling him out of Friday’s must-win Challenger final for the Sydney Sixers. The decision means the Sixers will be without their star opener for the remainder of the finals, even if they defeat the Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Cricket Ground to book a place in Sunday’s Big Bash final against the Perth Scorchers. Babar has been recalled to join Pakistan’s preparations for a three-match T20 international series against Australia, scheduled to begin next week in Lahore. The series forms part of Pakistan’s build-up to next month’s T20 World Cup, although the squad for the global tournament has yet to be announced. In a farewell message released by the Sixers, Babar thanked the club and its supporters for their backing during his brief stay. “I have very much enjoyed my time here,” he said. “Unfortunately, I now have to leave the team to go for national duty. I’m taking back a lot of positive memories, a lot of fun, and great experiences.” A message from Babar before he heads back to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp 🩷 pic.twitter.com/0vO0Nuokzw— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) January 22, 2026 He paid special tribute to Sixers fans, saying the atmosphere at the SCG — particularly the vocal support from the so-called “Babaristan” section — made his time in Sydney memorable. Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said the club fully respected Pakistan’s decision, despite the timing being a blow during finals week. “Babar has made a strong contribution on and off the field,” Haynes said. “The level of fan engagement he generated was exceptional, and the Babaristan stand has been one of the highlights of our home matches this season.” Statistically, Babar’s first Big Bash campaign delivered mixed returns. While he scored 202 runs, including two half-centuries, his strike rate of 103 lagged well behind fellow openers Steve Smith (172) and Daniel Hughes (129). He struck just three sixes across the tournament — the lowest strike rate recorded in BBL history for a player with more than 200 runs in a season. Those numbers had already sparked debate about his role in the Sixers’ finals push. Former Australia batter Mark Waugh suggested earlier this week that the Sixers should consider reshaping their top order. “At the moment, the batting is almost entirely reliant on Steve Smith,” Waugh said on Fox Cricket. “As harsh as it sounds, Babar hasn’t quite done enough at the top this tournament.” Babar’s departure now removes that selection dilemma altogether. Veteran left-hander Daniel Hughes is the most likely replacement at the top of the order, while captain Moises Henriques could also move up, allowing Jordan Silk to return to the middle order. Thank you, Babar 👑Babar Azam has been recalled to join Pakistan’s national camp ahead of upcoming international fixtures.He will be unavailable for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.More info at https://t.co/XFOTpJiF9I 📲 pic.twitter.com/EOaLKZlLG0— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) January 22, 2026 The Sixers will also continue to back their younger players, with Lachy Shaw, Joel Davies and Jack Edwards all given extended opportunities during this finals run. “We were thrown into the deep end in the Qualifier,” Edwards said on Thursday. “It didn’t go our way, but it’s a learning experience. If we’re in that situation again, we’ll be better prepared.”
“Never Experienced This Before”: World No. 3 Anders Antonsen Quits India Open Over Delhi’s Air
Denmark’s men’s singles world number three Anders Antonsen has withdrawn from the ongoing India Open, citing what he described as “extreme” air pollution in the Indian capital — a decision that will cost him a $5,000 fine under Badminton World Federation (BWF) regulations. Antonsen announced his withdrawal in a detailed statement on Instagram, where he explained that continuing to compete in the prevailing conditions posed serious health risks. “Many is curious to why I have pulled out of the India Open for the third consecutive year. Due to the extreme pollution in Delhi at the moment I don’t thinks it’s a place to host a badminton tournament. Crossing my fingers that it will be better in the Summer when the World Championships will take place in Delhi. As a result BWF once again has fined me 5000 USD,” Antonsen wrote on his Instagram story. Accepts Fine but Prioritises Health Under BWF tournament rules, players who withdraw after the draw has been made are subject to financial penalties. Antonsen confirmed he would accept a $5,000 fine, stating that the cost was secondary to protecting his long-term well-being. The Danish shuttler, a former World Championship silver medallist and one of the tournament’s top seeds, was widely seen as a strong title contender before his exit. Antonsen also referenced fellow Danish player Mia Blichfeldt, saying she had also been affected by the poor air quality in Delhi. “Mia has also been struggling with the conditions,” he noted, highlighting that the issue was not limited to one athlete but was impacting players more broadly. Renewed Focus on Delhi’s Air Quality The withdrawal has once again drawn international attention to Delhi’s persistent air pollution problem. The city frequently ranks among the world’s most polluted, with hazardous levels of particulate matter caused by traffic emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and seasonal factors. Medical experts warn that high pollution levels can severely affect lung function — a critical concern for elite badminton players, whose sport demands intense cardiovascular exertion and rapid recovery. Wider Debate on Athlete Safety Antonsen’s decision has reignited debate over whether international sporting events should proceed in cities facing severe environmental conditions. In recent years, athletes across multiple sports have raised concerns about competing in polluted environments, arguing that air quality should be treated as a core safety issue rather than a secondary concern. As the India Open continues, the withdrawal of one of its biggest stars stands as a stark reminder that environmental conditions can directly influence participation, performance, and the credibility of global sporting events.
