Another major tournament is on the horizon for T20 cricket enthusiasts—the T20 World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The excitement for this shortest format of cricket will surge following the India-England Test series.
Sports News: The 2026 T20 World Cup promises another thrilling spectacle for cricket lovers. This tournament, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will feature 20 teams. Thirteen teams have already qualified for this much-anticipated tournament, with seven spots still up for grabs.
This will be the second edition of the T20 World Cup to feature 20 teams. The first 20-team T20 World Cup was held in 2024, jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA, with India emerging as the champions.
Which Teams Have Qualified So Far?
Thirteen teams have qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026. Two of these are the hosts, India and Sri Lanka, who received automatic entry. The top eight teams from the 2024 World Cup and three additional teams based on ICC T20 rankings will also participate. The 13 qualified teams are:
- India (Host)
- Sri Lanka (Host)
- Australia
- England
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- South Africa
- Bangladesh
- Afghanistan
- West Indies
- United States of America (USA)
- Ireland
- Canada
How Will the Remaining Seven Teams Be Selected?
The remaining seven spots will be filled through regional qualifier tournaments organized by the ICC. This process promotes the global development of cricket, particularly for nations that don't regularly participate in ICC tournaments. The regional qualifier distribution is as follows:
- Asia and East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Region – 3 teams
- Europe Region – 2 teams
- Africa Region – 2 teams
These competitions will provide opportunities for emerging teams that have limited exposure to major ICC events. This will enhance the competitiveness of the World Cup and provide a platform for new players.
India and Sri Lanka's Preparations in Full Swing
India and Sri Lanka have already begun meetings regarding security, logistics, and venues for the T20 World Cup. Major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad in India, and Colombo, Galle, and Kandy in Sri Lanka are expected to host matches. The tournament is highly anticipated, especially as India won the 2024 World Cup and will be a b contender to retain the title on home soil.
Cricket experts believe that the 20-team format not only enhances competition but also gives smaller nations an opportunity to showcase their talent on the global stage. Teams like the USA and Netherlands demonstrated this in the 2024 tournament with impressive performances. The announcement of the remaining seven teams is expected by the end of 2025.
Qualifying tournaments will take place across Africa, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Following these events, the final list of 20 teams will be determined, and the ICC will conduct the tournament draw and group allocation.
