Scotland's cricket team is set to make their T20 World Cup debut, but the journey has been far from smooth. The team's chief executive, Trudy Lindblade, revealed that they are still waiting on visa issues and are in desperate need of a sponsor to cover the costs.
Despite these challenges, Scotland's squad is optimistic about their chances at the tournament. With only seven days left before their arrival in India, Lindblade said they were confident that all players would make it to the event. The team will be based in Bengaluru for warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Namibia on February 2nd and 4th.
However, the biggest hurdle facing Scotland is securing a major sponsor to cover the costs of their participation. Lindblade acknowledged that if they couldn't secure a new kit sponsor within seven days, they would have to don their regular Cricket Scotland playing kits.
"We're absolutely delighted to have been invited, but it's certainly in unique and challenging circumstances," Lindblade said. "We're all confident at the moment we can get everybody out there."
The team will also be hoping for a more amicable reception from Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland due to visa issues. Cricket Scotland officials expressed sympathy with the Bangladesh players and their fans.
"We do have sympathy for the Bangladesh players and their fans because you know as cricketers they just want to play the game," Lindblade said.
Scotland's squad includes Richie Berrington (captain), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (wicketkeeper), Brad Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, and Bradley Wheal.
Scotland's arrival in India will be a welcome boost to the tournament, which is set to start on February 7th. The team will play West Indies on the opening day of the tournament at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with no plans to postpone their fixture.
With only days left before their departure, Scotland's players are preparing for their big debut. Despite the hurdles they face, the team remains optimistic about their chances at the T20 World Cup.
Despite these challenges, Scotland's squad is optimistic about their chances at the tournament. With only seven days left before their arrival in India, Lindblade said they were confident that all players would make it to the event. The team will be based in Bengaluru for warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Namibia on February 2nd and 4th.
However, the biggest hurdle facing Scotland is securing a major sponsor to cover the costs of their participation. Lindblade acknowledged that if they couldn't secure a new kit sponsor within seven days, they would have to don their regular Cricket Scotland playing kits.
"We're absolutely delighted to have been invited, but it's certainly in unique and challenging circumstances," Lindblade said. "We're all confident at the moment we can get everybody out there."
The team will also be hoping for a more amicable reception from Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland due to visa issues. Cricket Scotland officials expressed sympathy with the Bangladesh players and their fans.
"We do have sympathy for the Bangladesh players and their fans because you know as cricketers they just want to play the game," Lindblade said.
Scotland's squad includes Richie Berrington (captain), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (wicketkeeper), Brad Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, and Bradley Wheal.
Scotland's arrival in India will be a welcome boost to the tournament, which is set to start on February 7th. The team will play West Indies on the opening day of the tournament at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with no plans to postpone their fixture.
With only days left before their departure, Scotland's players are preparing for their big debut. Despite the hurdles they face, the team remains optimistic about their chances at the T20 World Cup.
. They're basically winging it without a major sponsor, which is super high-risk. What if they can't even afford to pay their players? That'd be a total disaster for Cricket Scotland... and I think Bangladesh got the short end of the stick too 
. But hey, you've gotta admire their spirit - 7 days to secure sponsorship and all that 
. Either way, it's gonna be an interesting tournament!
dey got a strong squad too wiv riche berrington & toms & mats & co 
cant wait 2 see dem play on feb 7th 
, I mean who needs a sponsor when you've got the lovely people at Cricket Scotland to bail you out? 
And visa issues are just a minor setback, I'm sure Trudy Lindblade has a backup plan that'll sort everyone out in no time 
. The West Indies better watch out, though - Scotland might just surprise everyone with their mediocre skills 
.
) and show everyone what they're made of. It's all about unity and fair play, cricket fans should get behind them 1000% 
๏ธ! The squad is confident and ready to give it their all. Let's see those Scotland cricket supporters rock that stadium on the opening day 
!
. Scotland's squad seems super determined though, still feeling confident despite all the obstacles in front of them 
. It's a shame about Bangladesh, but I guess that's part of the game, you know? 
. With only days left to go before their arrival in India, they really need to get everything sorted out ASAP 
. Their warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Namibia could be just what they need to get some momentum going 
. Let's hope they can make a good impression at the T20 World Cup 
.
... can't believe they need to wear old kits if they don't get a new sponsor soon 
, which is awesome! 
7 days left before their India trip & everything should be sorted 
. They've got a solid lineup and Richie Berrington is gonna lead the charge 
. India needs some Scottish flair in this tournament, let's see how they do 
. And visa issues? That's just unfair 
... they could be stuck with old kits 
. But at the same time, I'm glad they're excited about it