T20 World Cup 2026: Scotland name strong squad after replacing Bangladesh

Cricket Scotland has officially named their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, stepping into the tournament after replacing Bangladesh in the event. Scotland’s inclusion comes after the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed them as a replacement following the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) refusal to participate in the tournament as scheduled. 

Scotland is included in Group C, where they will face heavyweights like England and the West Indies when the global event gets underway on February 7, at venues across India and Sri Lanka. Veteran batter Richie Berrington will captain the Scottish side in the marquee tournament. The squad comprises experienced players with exciting newcomers, including Zainullah Ihsan, an Afghanistan-origin speedster. 

Steve Snell, Scotland’s Head of Performance, expressed his confidence in the selected unit, describing it as well-balanced and adaptable to sub-continental conditions, which will test skills with both bat and ball.

“The coaching staff, selectors, and I are all really excited about the squad that has been picked. We feel it’s well-balanced and caters for a lot of different scenarios and challenges that the team will face in India," Snell said in an official statement.

The head coach, Owen Dawkins, too shared his thoughts on his side’s surprising inclusion into the competition and how they are preparing for the marquee event. 

"There is no doubt that other squads in the tournament will have had better opportunities to structure their preparation, and we are at peace with that. We have no doubt we have players in our squad that can make a real impact in this tournament, and we are excited to be going and competing in India,” Dawkins added.

This will be Scotland’s sixth appearance in a Men’s T20 World Cup, having previously competed in 2007, 2009, 2016, 2021, 2022, and 2024, and represents a rare late call-up on the world stage after the dramatic change in the line-up for the marquee event. The Scottish will kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign against the West Indies in Kolkata on February 7, setting the stage with a unique qualification. 

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 and Jack Jarvis