Overview
- Bangladesh were removed after refusing to play in India; the ICC cited independent assessments finding no credible threat and said changing venues so close to February 7 would compromise the event.
- Cricket Scotland named a 15-player squad led by Richie Berrington, including uncapped Afghan‑born pacer Zainullah Ihsan, with selection contingent on visa approvals.
- Scotland is scrambling to process visas, finalize a kit and land a sponsor, with particular attention on paperwork for players such as Safyaan Sharif and assistance pledged by the ICC and BCCI.
- The Pakistan Cricket Board, after consultations between Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, deferred a participation decision until Friday or next Monday and is weighing protest options including skipping the India group match on February 15 in Colombo.
- Multiple outlets citing Hindustan Times report that if Pakistan withdraws, the ICC could invite Bangladesh to take Pakistan’s place, a scenario not officially confirmed; public debate intensified after Jason Gillespie deleted a critical post following online abuse.