Women's T20 World Cup: Abtaha Maqsood's injury forces last minute changes to Scotland squad

Scotland legspinner Abtaha Maqsood has been ruled out of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 due to a fractured hand. She sustained the injury during Scotland's final warm-up match against Pakistan in Derby, where they won by 41 runs.

Maqsood’s injury comes as a major blow to Scotland as she is the highest wicket-taker in Women's T20Is for her nation with 73 scalps to her name at an average of 17.72 and an economy rate of 5.63. She recently scalped 2/16 in Scotland’s first warm-up fixture against the Netherlands, guiding her team to a 58-run victory.

In Maqsood’s place, medium-pacer Hannah Rainey, who has been playing for Yorkshire in the ongoing Vitality Blast, has been added to the Scotland squad. The 29-year-old has scalped 25 wickets from 37 innings in her T20I career so far at an average of 20.28 and an economy of 5.39 with best figures of 3/15.

Scotland head coach Craig Wallace revealed that the entire squad and the coaching staff are disappointed for Abtaha and mentioned her importance in their team.

"The whole playing squad and coaching staff are absolutely gutted for Abtaha. She's such an important member of our squad and will be a great loss to us both on and off the pitch during this tournament. We wish her all the very best in her recovery and hope to see her back on the field soon,” Wallace was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Scotland to begin campaign against Ireland

Wallace also said that it’s a big opportunity for Hannah Rainey, who last played for Scotland in January 2026 against Papua New Guinea.

"Hannah now comes into the squad, and we are delighted to welcome her into the group. She obviously has plenty of experience, and this is a great opportunity for her as we head into an exciting few weeks,” he added.

Scotland are placed in Group B alongside England, Ireland, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies. They will begin their campaign against Ireland on Saturday, June 13 at Old Trafford, Manchester.