Former Australian cricket star Jason Gillespie has questioned the fairness behind the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
In a post on his official X account, since removed, Gillespie openly challenged the consistency of the ICC’s decision making, suggesting the move smacked of double standards following the very different treatment of India following security concerns ahead of last year’s 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
India was allowed to play its entire tournament in the UAE—including the final against New Zealand.
“Has there been an explanation from the ICC why Bangladesh could not play their games outside of India?” Gillespie posted on X.
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“From memory, India refused to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, and they were allowed to play those games outside of Pakistan.
“Can someone make this make sense?!?!”
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Gillespie was far from alone with former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi also criticising the ICC for treating its member nations differently.
“As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I’m deeply disappointed by today’s ICC’s inconsistency,” Afridi posted.
“It accepted India’s security concerns for not touring Pakistan in 2025, yet appears unwilling to apply the same understanding to Bangladesh.
“The ICC should build bridges, not burn them.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly both former players faced rapid and often insulting rebuttals from those suggesting the two situations are very different.
Some commentators pointed to diplomatic tensions created by the BCCI’s removal of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad ahead of the 2026 IPL season as the true cause for the impasse.
Whatever the exact reasons, with Bangladesh steadfastly refusing to play in India, Scotland was officially granted the vacant spot overnight by the ICC as the highest-ranked unqualified team.
The Scots will feature in Group C alongside Italy, Nepal, West Indies and England.
As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I’m deeply disappointed by today's ICC’s inconsistency. It accepted India’s security concerns for not touring Pakistan in 2025, yet appears unwilling to apply the same understanding to Bangladesh.…
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) January 24, 2026