The cricket world was recently stunned by a major shift in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup lineup. In a historic first, the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially confirmed that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in Group C of the marquee tournament.
But Winadda as the saying goes, "when one door closes, another opens." In a defiant and swift response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a high-octane domestic T20 tournament titled "Odommo Bangladesh" (Indomitable Bangladesh).
Here is everything you need to know about the controversy and the "indomitable" new event.
Why did the ICC Replace Bangladesh with Scotland?
The exclusion of Bangladesh stems from a geopolitical and security stalemate. Citing security concerns and diplomatic tensions, the BCB expressed an unwillingness to travel to India, one of the co-hosts for the 2026 event.
Key Timeline of the Crisis:
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Venue Request: The BCB requested that their group-stage matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka (the other co-host).
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ICC Refusal: The ICC rejected this demand after independent security assessments found no "credible or verifiable threat" to the team in India.
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The Ultimatum: The ICC gave the BCB a deadline of January 21, 2026, to confirm their participation.
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The Replacement: After the BCB stood firm on their refusal, the ICC moved to replace them with Scotland—the highest-ranked team that had not originally qualified.
For the first time in history, Bangladesh will miss a T20 World Cup, while Scotland takes their spot alongside England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal.
The BCB Response: What is "Odommo Bangladesh"?
Refusing to let the national team go dormant during the World Cup window (February 7 – March 8), the BCB launched Odommo Bangladesh 2026. The name itself reflects the board's intent: to show that Bangladesh cricket remains indomitable despite missing out on the global stage.
Tournament Format & Details:
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Dates: February 5 to February 9, 2026.
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Venue: All matches will be held under floodlights at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
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Teams: A three-team round-robin competition featuring the country's top white-ball talent.
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Prize Pool: An impressive BDT 2.5 Crore (approx. USD 210,000) covering both prize money and player participation fees.
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Tactical Twist: The tournament will implement the "Impact Player" rule, similar to the IPL, to ensure modern, high-intensity gameplay.
The Teams and Captains
To ensure the tournament isn't just an exhibition but a fierce competition, the BCB has divided the national pool into three powerhouse squads:
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Dhumketu XI: Led by national T20I captain Litton Das. This team is expected to play the aggressive brand of cricket Litton is known for.
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Durbar XI: Led by Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. This squad brings a mix of stability and tactical depth.
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Duronto XI: Led by U19 World Cup-winning captain Akbar Ali. This team represents the future, focusing on the next generation of stars.
Fan Experience: More Than Just Cricket
The BCB is treating this as a major festival to keep public morale high.
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Cultural Programs: Every matchday will begin at 4:00 PM with a cultural show, followed by the cricket action at 6:00 PM.
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Affordable Tickets: In a bid to pack the stadium, the BCB has set fan-friendly prices:
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Eastern Gallery: BDT 100
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Northern/Southern Stands: BDT 200
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Grand Stand: BDT 1,000
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The Verdict
While missing the T20 World Cup is undoubtedly a blow to the fans and the players, "Odommo Bangladesh" serves as a strategic move to keep the national stars match-ready and the domestic cricket scene vibrant.
Will this tournament bridge the gap for the Tigers, or will the absence from the World Cup haunt the team's rankings in the long run? Only time will tell. For now, Mirpur is ready to roar this February!