Scotland players receive visas in time for T20 World Cup participation

Scotland players have received their visas in time and will now be able to play their T20 World Cup warm-up fixture against Afghanistan in Bengaluru on Monday (February 2).

Scotland were last-minute entrants in the global spectacle after the ICC removed Bangladesh following their refusal to travel to India for their fixtures.

"It has been one hell of a week," one of the members of the Scotland squad for the tournament, Safyaan Sharif said, in a video on Cricket Scotland's Instagram account. "Once we found out we were going to the World Cup, obviously I couldn't believe it. For myself, I'm pretty excited, and just can't wait to get on that park and put in a performance for Scotland.

"Thanks to the Scotland team and the efforts that they've put in just to get us on this flight. I'm pretty excited. I'm just glad that the first hurdle is over and we're just going to get on this plane, enjoy the flight, and see the boys in India."

Notably, as per a report by ESPNCricinfo, only Tom Bruce has not joined his Scottish teammates in India as he is currently fulfilling his domestic commitments for Central Stags in New Zealand.

Scotland have replaced the Bangla Tigers in Group C. They'll open their campaign against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday. They'll meet Italy in their second game at the same venue on February 9.

They'll face neighbours England on February 14 and will lock horns with Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17. 

Scotland's squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Richie Berrington (c), 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, Jack Jarvis. 

Non-travelling reserves: Mackenzie Jones, Chris McBride, Charlie Tear