Cricket Scotland has officially named its 15-man squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, stepping in as a last-minute replacement for Bangladesh. While the team prepares for a whirlwind trip to India, the focus has shifted to logistical hurdles—specifically the Indian visa for veteran pacer Safyaan Sharif.
ICC “Working Hard” on Visa Clearance for Sharif
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has provided firm assurances to Cricket Scotland that they are working “very, very hard” to ensure all players receive their travel documents. The primary concern lies with Safyaan Sharif, who possesses Pakistani heritage.
Due to long-standing diplomatic tensions, travelers of Pakistani descent often face extended processing times for Indian visas. Sharif, born in Huddersfield to a Pakistani father and British-Pakistani mother, is a vital cog in the Scottish bowling attack.
“The visa piece is always slightly an unknown,” said Trudy Lindblade, Cricket Scotland’s CEO. “But the ICC is working with the BCCI and local authorities to ensure we have the support we need. We are their intense focus right now.”
Scotland’s 2026 T20 World Cup Squad
Scotland’s roster features a blend of veteran experience and exciting new talent. Notably, 11 players return from the 2024 campaign.
- Richie Berrington (c)
- Tom Bruce (Former New Zealand international)
- Matthew Cross
- Brad Currie
- Oli Davidson
- Chris Greaves
- Zainullah Ihsan (Uncapped, Afghanistan-born pacer)
- Michael Jones
- Michael Leask
- Finlay McCreath
- Brandon McMullen
- George Munsey
- Safyaan Sharif
- Mark Watt
- Brad Wheal
Reserves: Jasper Davidson, Jack Jarvis (Travelling); Mackenzie Jones, Chris McBride, Charlie Tear (Non-travelling).
Key Inclusions and Notable Absentees
The Rise of Zainullah Ihsan
The most talked-about inclusion is 19-year-old Zainullah Ihsan. Born in Afghanistan, the fast bowler arrived in the UK as a refugee and recently qualified for Scotland. Known for his raw pace, Ihsan is expected to provide the “X-factor” on Indian pitches.
Tom Bruce’s Allegiance Switch
Former New Zealand middle-order batter Tom Bruce is set for his World Cup debut in Scottish colors. Bruce, who played 17 T20Is for the Black Caps, switched eligibility last year and adds significant firepower to the top order.
Why Chris Sole and Scott Currie are Missing
- Chris Sole: The 90mph speedster is a notable absentee, having stepped away from professional cricket to pursue a career in recruitment.
- Scott Currie: Despite his brother Brad being in the squad, Scott is ineligible. Having been named on an England team sheet as a substitute in 2024, ICC regulations bar him from representing Scotland until late 2028.
T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Group C
Scotland replaces Bangladesh in Group C, facing a tough path to the Super 8s.
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
| Feb 2 | Afghanistan (Warm-up) | Bengaluru |
| Feb 4 | Namibia (Warm-up) | Bengaluru |
| Feb 7 | West Indies (Opening Match) | Kolkata |
| Feb 9 | Italy | Kolkata |
| Feb 14 | England | Kolkata |
| Feb 17 | Nepal | Mumbai |
