Bangladesh had earlier requested to move their matches from India to co-host Sri Lanka, which was rejected by the ICC. Bangladesh expressed security concerns in the wake of rising tensions between the two countries.

Scotland got the chance due to their highest ICC ranking (14th) among the teams not already participating in the event. Cricket Scotland officials have been working day and night since receiving a call from ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta last week.

Now there is a big challenge in front of them. Visas for all players, including Pakistani-origin fast bowler Safian Sharif, will be issued within a short period of time. Arranging a visa for him to come to India has now become the biggest challenge.

Scotland are trying to secure a major sponsor and are hopeful that the new players’ kit for the tournament will arrive before they leave the country. One of their team officials said, “If we get a new kit, it’s an extra payment. If not, we may be seen playing regular cricket in Scotland’s kit. We have only seven days to get sponsors.”

Scotland have virtually inherited Bangladesh’s schedule for the World Cup and will be in Bangalore to begin with. They are scheduled to play warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Namibia at BCCI’s Center of Excellence on February 2 and 4.