Scotland pick uncapped teenage Afghan refugee Ihsan in World Cup squad

Scotland have handed a first call-up to seamer Zainullah Ihsan for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India.

The 19-year-old was born in Afghanistan and came to the UK as an unaccompanied asylum seeker before being granted refugee status in 2022.

He had only ever played tapeball cricket before arriving in Glasgow, where he joined GHK cricket club.

He became eligible to play for Scotland last year and could make his full international debut at the World Cup having previously represented Scotland A.

Finlay McCreath, Oliver Davidson and former New Zealand cap Tom Bruce are also included, while captain Richie Berrington is one of 11 players who featured at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Hampshire’s Scott Currie was ineligible for selection having appeared as a substitute fielder for England during their T20 series against Ireland last year.

“The coaching staff, selectors and I are all really excited about the squad that has been picked,” head of performance Steve Snell said.

“We feel it’s well-balanced and caters for a lot of different scenarios and challenges that the team will face in India.

“There’s obviously a great opportunity for Zainullah Ihsan, and whenever he’s played at youth level or for the ‘A’ squad he’s shown an exciting range of skills and bowled at genuine pace.

“We’re delighted for him and excited to see how he performs on his first international tour.

“Oli Davidson has worked tirelessly at his skills and shown tremendous desire and work ethic in recent months to improve, and he also thoroughly deserves his callup.

“All the players are really excited to take on the best in the world and grasp the opportunity that has been afforded to them. The squad is full of high-quality cricketers ready to perform, and they are keen to make an impact on the big stage.”

Scotland failed to qualify for the tournament after losing to Jersey and Italy in qualifying, but were handed a late call-up after Bangladesh decided to boycott the event.

Scotland, ranked 14 in the world, were called up by the International Cricket Council by virtue of being the highest-ranked team not already at the tournament and will take Bangladesh’s place in Group C.

Richie Berrington, Clydesdale

Tom Bruce, Central Districts

Matthew Cross, Heriot’s

Bradley Currie, Sussex

Oliver Davidson, Carlton

Chris Greaves, Whitburn

Zainullah Ihsan, GHK

Michael Jones, Lancashire

Michael Leask, Forfarshire

Finlay McCreath, Grange

Brandon McMullen, RH Corstorphine

George Munsey, RH Corstorphine

Safyaan Sharif, Perth Doo’cot

Mark Watt, Heriot’s

Bradley Wheal, Hampshire

Travelling reserves: Jasper Davidson and Jack Jarvis.

Non-travelling reserves: Mackenzie Jones and Chris McBride.

West Indies v Scotland – Saturday 7 February, 09:30

Scotland v Italy – Monday 9 February, 05:30

England v Scotland – Saturday 14 February, 09:30

Scotland v Nepal – Tuesday 17 February, 13:30

All times are GMT