The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup begins today in Sri Lanka and India. Although the tournament build-up has been dominated by chaotic off-field developments -- with Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland following a row with the ICC and Pakistan boycotting their high-stakes group-stage clash against India in solidarity with Bangladesh -- here is a snapshot of the 20 teams participating in the marquee event.

The 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins today in India and Sri Lanka against the backdrop of a chaotic build-up dominated by political turmoil, which eventually saw Bangladesh replaced by Scotland and Pakistan boycotting their high-stakes group-stage fixture against arch-rivals India in solidarity with Bangladesh.

The upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to platform the game’s latest trends, where it’s expected that co-hosts and reigning champions India will be at the forefront.

Former England captain turned cricket pundit Nasser Hussain said he supported Bangladesh’s stance of not travelling to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup and praised Pakistan for standing by Bangladesh.

The T20 World Cup begins on Saturday in India and Sri Lanka, with a chance for fresh faces to shine in the global spotlight.

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul thanked Pakistan for standing by Bangladesh after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed his country’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India on February 15 was in protest of Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament.

"Let’s get the politics out of it," Lee, who ended his 13-year international career in 2012, said in 'Mr. Cricket UAE' podcast.

It is the first time any official from either the Pakistan government or the PCB has publicly addressed the reasons for the boycott.

On the field, Pakistan looks settled, sharp and ready. Off the field, however, attention shifted from cricketing form to a decision that could define their campaign.

The Sydney Morning Herald, citing industry sources involved in confidential negotiations, reported that each India-Pakistan game carries an estimated value of around USD 250 million, given its billion-plus global audience.

The former England opening batter, Mark Butcher, has backed the ICC’s decision to remove Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026 after the latter refused to travel to India due to security concerns.

India batter Ajinkya Rahane said Pakistan “does not have the guts” to pull out of the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka and India from February 7 to March 8.

Sri Lanka will deploy elite armed units to protect teams at next month's T20 World Cup, part of enhanced security measures with a special emphasis on matches between perennial rivals India and Pakistan, officials have told AFP.

International sport depends on a simple bargain: athletes accept risks, including physical and monetary, but governing bodies accept responsibility.

Pakistan take on Australia in a three-match Twenty20 international series starting in Lahore from Thursday, despite doubts over their participation in next month's World Cup in cricket's shortest format.

South Africa great AB de Villiers said that Bangladesh’s exclusion from the upcoming T20 World Cup presents a “bad look” for cricket and that the situation should never have been allowed to reach such a stage.

For Scotland, it was a lifeline. For Bangladesh, it was heartbreak.

Slotted in Group C at the T20 World Cup, the West Indies will go up against England, Nepal, Italy and Scotland.

Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the 20-team showpiece on Saturday following their refusal to tour India over safety concerns in the wake of soured political relations between the Asian neighbours.

These sanctions could include suspension of all bilateral series, denial of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and exclusion from the Asia Cup.