Scotland’s entry into the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 has been met with excitement, confusion and a lot of pressure. Everything happened very fast after Bangladesh pulled out at the last minute due to security concerns. As Scotland was the highest ranked team, they were given a World Cup spot and were required to take immediate action.
Visa tensions rise as race against time in Scotland ahead of trip to India
But they’re not just worrying about preparations for the big event; The biggest issue at this time is visa. Scotland’s first match in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in India on February 7, and the team is working hard to ensure that every player and staff member is cleared to enter the country.
Scotland’s biggest concern is their leading fast bowler Safyaan Sharif, who has Pakistani heritage. In recent years, people of Pakistani origin have often faced delays when applying for Indian visas due to political tensions, but Cricket Scotland remains positive.
Also read: Due to the biggest crisis of T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan is ready to boycott the match with India.
Cricket Scotland believes that the issue will be resolved in time as the ICC is fully involved and is working closely with the Indian authorities and the BCCI to speed things up. The focus in the last two days has been entirely on paperwork, approvals and travel plans.
They have given assurance of visa: Cricket Scotland
All the players are currently submitting their visa applications, and the team is preparing to fly to India once approved.
Cricket Scotland CEO Trudy Lindblad said: “We are all committed [to] Working with ICC to do this. The visa piece is always a little unknown, and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve got three days or you’ve got 45 days. Certainly, that’s been our focus over the last 48 hours: just getting those visas completed so our players are ready to go. So, it’s just a matter of time.”
Lindblad said the ICC is helping with everything that is within their control and is working closely with the BCCI and local authorities in India to ensure that Scotland receives all the necessary support.
He added, “So, of course, [they have given] Reassurance that they could deliver on things that were within their control. A team working very hard to not only help us but also the 19 other teams going to the World Cup. But right now we are focusing on them intensely.
ICC gives full support to Scotland taking additional visa steps to avoid World Cup chaos
The short notice has made preparations extremely difficult for Scotland. With little time left, the ICC stepped in to help with planning, logistics and coordination. Scotland performance chief Steve Snell praised the ICC and expressed hope that the BCCI would help in getting the visas on time.
Steve Snell said, “We [also] Expect some help whenever possible [get it] From BCCI. “I don’t think we need to push it any further to get to the country, because you would suggest that Scotland be invited to the World Cup and then not get there would be good for nobody.”
Also read: Mohsin Naqvi’s threat to pull out of T20 World Cup 2026 shook ICC, broadcasters worried about India-Pakistan match
As the situation is unpredictable, Cricket Scotland has taken extra precautions, as visa applications have also been submitted for two traveling reserves and three non-travelling reserves. So that even if some players are delayed, Scotland can still field a full squad.
Scotland announces T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Meanwhile, Scotland has selected 19-year-old Afghanistan-born fast bowler Zainullah Ehsan in the squad. He has earned his first call-up and could make his international debut in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Another key addition is player Tom Bruce.
He previously played international cricket for New Zealand and appeared in 17 T20 matches between 2017 and 2020. After switching to Scotland last year, he made his ODI debut in August and now brings valuable experience to the batting lineup at the mega event.
Scotland will play two warm-up matches in Bengaluru, facing Afghanistan on February 2 and Namibia on February 4. Their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign will begin against West Indies in Kolkata. After this, they will face Italy, England and Nepal in the group stage of the tournament.
Scotland squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
Richie Berrington (captain), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Ollie Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal.
Travel Reservation: jasper davidson, jack jarvis
Non-Travel Reserve Fund: Mackenzie Jones, Chris McBride, Charlie Tear