T20 World Cup 2026 - Discussion thread

[Rana]

Honestly the best thing Naqvi did for Pakistan was ensure Pakistan won’t have to travel to India possibly ever again,

Sri Lanka is so smooth sailing to deal with!

 

[Devadwal]

Honestly the best thing Naqvi did for Pakistan was ensure Pakistan won’t have to travel to India possibly ever again,

Sri Lanka is so smooth sailing to deal with!

Pakistan wil tour india for champion trophy 2029 or watch the champion trophy from home seeing india lifting another ICC Trophy.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2008918441072484568

The schedule was announced weeks ago..

 

[Rana]

The schedule was announced weeks ago..

I think he meant the Bangladesh matches

They are actually unconfirmed

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

ICC missed a trick not putting South Africa and Netherlands in the same group. The Dutch beat them in their last two ICC tournament meetings.
Maybe some Saffers respect the country of their ancestors too much

 

[sweep_shot]

I think South Africa is the dark horse this time.

They got rid of the "choker" tag in the last WTC. Maybe they can start winning more ICC trophies now that the monkey is off the back.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I think South Africa is the dark horse this time.

They got rid of the "choker" tag in the last WTC. Maybe they can start winning more ICC trophies now that the monkey is off the back.

South Africa are one of the contenders for certain.

New Zealand as usual are the only relevant dark horses for this tournament. They have an okay-ish team capable of upsetting the bigger teams, but will lose more often than not to them.

 

[sweep_shot]

South Africa are one of the contenders for certain.

New Zealand as usual are the only relevant dark horses for this tournament. They have an okay-ish team capable of upsetting the bigger teams, but will lose more often than not to them.

NZ became weaker. No Southee, Boult etc.

I do not think they are the dark horse anymore.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Canada announce squad for their T20 World Cup campaign

Canada will look to build on their maiden ICC Men's T20 World Cup appearance in 2024, and leave a mark in the upcoming edition of the global mega-event in India and Sri Lanka.

In their inaugural appearance, Canada had finished fourth in the group stage, but had managed to secure three points. Their run included a 12-run win over European side Ireland.

Squad:

Dilpreet Bajwa (C), Ajayveer Hundal, Ansh Patel, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker, Jaskarandeep Buttar, Kaleem Sana, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Ravinderpal Singh, Saad Bin Zafar, Shivam Sharma, Shreyas Movva, Yuvraj Samra.

Nicholas Kirton's impressive knock of 49 (35) against Ireland earns him the Aramco POTM award

Canada made it to this edition of the tournament, by featuring in and winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Americas Regional Final. The team played six games and won all of them, thus topping the table, and booking their ticket for the T20 World Cup.

During the Americas Regional Qualifier, Shivam Sharma's off-spin (11 wickets at 7.81) and Kaleem Sana's left-arm pace (10 wickets at 7.5) proved to be quite effective, and the side would hope that the duo continue to wield their magic in India.

On the batting end, the side has attacking batter Nicholas Kirton in their ranks, who can expect good support from fellow southpaw Yuvraj Samra, who has a strike-rate of 160.72.

Canada's task will be cut out from the start as their opening group features South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan and the UAE. They begin their campaign against South Africa in Ahmedabad on 9 February, 2026.

ICC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Italy name squad for maiden Men's T20 World Cup campaign

Italy have named the 15-member squad for their maiden ICC Men's T20 World Cup appearance.

The Azzurri will make their T20 World Cup debut against Bangladesh on February 9 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with their next appearance slated to come against Nepal on February 12 in Mumbai.

As previously announced, Wayne Madsen will lead the European outfit for the tournament.

Italy's squad:

Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.

The big addition is all-rounder JJ Smuts, who has previously featured for South Africa at the international level, and has played 13 T20Is till date. Emilio Gay misses the tournament through injury.

Italy made it to the tournament on the back of a historic run in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier 2025, where they claimed the second position following wins against Scotland and Guernsey, and qualified alongside the Netherlands.

Italy brushed aside Scotland by 12 runs in a monumental to move one step closer to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

The Italian coaching staff will be led by John Davison as head coach, supported by assistant coaches Kevin O'Brien and Douglas Brown, with Peter Di Venuto serving as manager.

The tournament debutants are slotted alongside two-time winners, England and West Indies as well as Bangladesh and Nepal in Group C.

ICC

 

[Ball Blazer]

Jay Shah-led ICC steps in to ensure Pakistan origin players and officials get India visas for T20 World Cup 2026​

The Jay Shah-led International Cricket Council (ICC) has stepped in to ensure that players and officials of Pakistan origin receive Indian visas in time for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March.

According to information accessed by PTI, the ICC is facilitating visa formalities for around 42 players and officials of Pakistani nationality or origin who are part of different international teams set to feature in the marquee tournament.

Several full-member and associate nations have players of Pakistan origin in their squads. England have spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, along with pacer Saqib Mahmood. The United States have Ali Khan and Shayan Jahangir, while the Netherlands have Zulfiqar Saqib in their squad.

Canada staff member Shah Saleem Zafar has also been granted clearance. Visas for England players Rashid, Rehan and Saqib have already been approved. Members of the Netherlands squad have also received their visas, as per the report.

“The ICC exercise covers cricketers, officials and standby personnel across multiple teams, underlining the governing body’s attempt to pre-empt any last-minute complications ahead of the global event. The ICC, which is overseeing the coordination process, has remained in constant communication with Indian High Commissions in multiple cities across continents,” the report stated.

https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/icc-jay-shah-steps-in-indian-visas-pakistan-origin-players-t20-world-cup-2026-13969860.html

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Italy name squad for maiden Men's T20 World Cup campaign

Italy have named the 15-member squad for their maiden ICC Men's T20 World Cup appearance.

The Azzurri will make their T20 World Cup debut against Bangladesh on February 9 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with their next appearance slated to come against Nepal on February 12 in Mumbai.

As previously announced, Wayne Madsen will lead the European outfit for the tournament.

Italy's squad:

Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.

The big addition is all-rounder JJ Smuts, who has previously featured for South Africa at the international level, and has played 13 T20Is till date. Emilio Gay misses the tournament through injury.

Italy made it to the tournament on the back of a historic run in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier 2025, where they claimed the second position following wins against Scotland and Guernsey, and qualified alongside the Netherlands.

Italy brushed aside Scotland by 12 runs in a monumental to move one step closer to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

The Italian coaching staff will be led by John Davison as head coach, supported by assistant coaches Kevin O'Brien and Douglas Brown, with Peter Di Venuto serving as manager.

The tournament debutants are slotted alongside two-time winners, England and West Indies as well as Bangladesh and Nepal in Group C.

ICC

Missing Joe Burns but they still have some known names like Wayne Madsen, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti

I think Manenti was just playing for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL

Wouldn't be surprised if they cause an upset or two. England, West Indies and Bangladesh all have a history of losing to these types of teams

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Missing Joe Burns but they still have some known names like Wayne Madsen, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti

I think Manenti was just playing for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL

Wouldn't be surprised if they cause an upset or two. England, West Indies and Bangladesh all have a history of losing to these types of teams

Shame Joe burns couldn't lead in the world cup. Supposedly some bad blood between him and the Italian board. Wayne Madsden is (was) a good player but surely past it at 41 years old

 

[Ball Blazer]

ICC rejects Bangladesh's request, keeps T20 World Cup 2026 schedule unchanged

Following multiple independent security assessments, the ICC has confirmed that all its matches will remain in India as originally scheduled, having concluded that there is no credible security threat.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

ICC rejects Bangladesh's request, keeps T20 World Cup 2026 schedule unchanged

Following multiple independent security assessments, the ICC has confirmed that all its matches will remain in India as originally scheduled, having concluded that there is no credible security threat.

BCB went in a bit too strong like Pak did when they were campaigning against Big 3 in the Sethi era. You can of course beat BCCI at the board table but for that you require a lot of planning and pick small fights first instead.

There's no good exit strategy here for them anyway, if they still refuse, they end up getting kicked out of the world cup, & if they go & play, they'll look like tools & lose future credibility. The best alternative now is to not go to Mumbai and play all matches in Calcutta with probably only 20% crowd allowed.

 

[BouncerGuy]

A brief history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

We are now nearly two decades removed from the introduction of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which ushered in a new era for the game when India emerged victorious from that thrilling 2007 tournament in South Africa.

There were 12 teams competing in that inaugural outing, while there will be 20 teams from all corners of the globe competing to win the tournament’s 10th edition in 2026. Six different teams have lifted the trophy over the years, with the West Indies, England and reigning champions India the only nations to have won it twice.

Ahead of the 2026 tournament in India and Sri Lanka, let’s take a little trip down memory lane.

A new form of cricket

The 21st century has stood witness to the emergence of T20 cricket as one of sport’s fastest growing formats, but there was major scepticism when it was first mooted around English county cricket circles.

Initially seen as a way to attract new people to the sport and simplify the game to wider audiences, T20 cricket has transformed the game’s landscape since first being introduced at the professional level in 2003 and then quickly adopted around the world.

The birth of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007 took it to another level and that tournament’s impact was immediate.

Legendary West Indian Chris Gayle was responsible for that, sending the very first ball of the tournament to the fence before smashing a remarkable 117 against the hosts – making the first ever T20I century in the process.

From bowl-outs to Yuvraj Singh taking six sixes off one Stuart Broad over and Misbah-ul-Haq’s infamous scoop in the final, that first tournament proved an historic first edition.

Culminating in India’s stunning victory over Pakistan, it not only set a new course for the modern game but also the tone for the drama that would follow at ICC Men’s T20 World Cups in the decades to follow.

Iconic moments

Pakistan avenged their loss to India by claiming victory in 2009, as Shahid Afridi, a player born for the format, shone with both bat and ball in England. The tournament also saw the hosts stunned by the Netherlands in one of the all-time great upsets.

England responded a year later in the Caribbean by winning their first men’s white-ball trophy as Kevin Pietersen earned Player of the Tournament honours for his efforts with the bat.

Then in 2012, West Indies joined the party by triumphing in Sri Lanka, with Marlon Samuels (78) and Sunil Narine (3-9) the stars of the show in the final.

They beat the hosts to lift the trophy that year, but Sri Lanka bounced back by winning in 2014 to ensure Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene bowed out of the format in style.

The West Indies were back on top of the world two years later thanks to Carlos Brathwaite’s four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes in the last over of the 2016 final in Kolkota, a moment etched in cricket’s collective memory thanks Ian Bishop’s immortal “remember the name” call on commentary.

After a five-year absence, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup resumed in 2021 as Australia claimed their first title. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh were the heroes in the final against New Zealand.

A year later, it was England who triumphed for a second time, ensuring they held both the T20 and ODI world titles. Sam Curran stole the show that year and was both named Player of the Match in the final and Player of the Tournament for his all-round contributions.

Going global

In 2024, the tournament expanded from 16 teams to 20, with the USA, Canada and Uganda making their debuts.

The Americans, co-hosting alongside the West Indies, seized their opportunity with a stunning Super Over victory over Pakistan as they progressed to the Super 8 stage. Afghanistan also enjoyed a dream run, making it to the semi-finals of a major ICC tournament for the first time.

Virat Kohli saved his best for last in the final with 76, but that did not look like it would be enough until a magical spell from Jasprit Bumrah derailed South Africa’s chase and set up an seven-run victory for India.

As with Sangakkara and Jayawardene a decade earlier, this proved to be a final farewell for two modern greats as Kohli and Rohit Sharma both called time on their international T20 careers.

That means new faces in 2026, and another new team in Italy, who will look to hit the ground running when they make their World Cup debut in India and Sri Lanka.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Iconic performances at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Between India winning both the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007 and the most recent offering two years ago, there have been many iconic performances that have left their mark on T20’s biggest stage.

With new heroes ready to be cast when the 10th edition commences on 7 February, we look back at some of the standout individual ICC Men’s T20 World Cup performances from years gone by.

2007 – Yuvraj’s six sixes

At the first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, Yuvraj Singh etched his name into cricketing history by smashing six sixes off just one Stuart Broad over.

The left-handed all-rounder became just the fourth player - after Garry Sobers, Ravi Shastri and Herschelle Gibbs - to complete the feat, and the first to do so in T20 cricket.

Yuvraj’s exploits not only ensured an imposing India total but also took the then 25-year-old to a 12-ball half-century and a record fastest 50 in T20Is, one which would hold firm until 2023.

India went on to win the match before being crowned champions thanks to a five-run win over Pakistan in the final.

2009 – Afridi’s all-round excellence

On the wrong side of the end result two years earlier, Shahid Afridi – who was Player of the Tournament in 2007 - returned to the competition in 2009 with the bit firmly between his teeth.

And, in the semi-finals against South Africa, Afridi came to the fore in devastating fashion, starring with a crucial all-round performance that took Pakistan into a second successive final.

He first scored 51 off 34 with the bat, before claiming the key wickets of Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers as he returned figures of 2-16 which helped set up the win and put Pakistan on course to eventually lift the trophy.

2010 – Hussey’s semi-final heroics

The Caribbean islands of the West Indies hosted the 2010 tournament, where Australia’s Michael Hussey played one of the greatest short-form innings of all time by blasting an unbeaten 60 from just 24 balls.

Coming in at seven in the semi-final, and with Australia requiring 87 from 45 balls to beat Pakistan, Hussey reinvigorated his side’s chase with a startling display of hitting.

Needing 18 from the final over, Hussey crashed Saeed Ajmal for three sixes and a four to win the game with a ball to spare.

2012 – Narine’s control leads Windies to glory

In 2012’s showpiece, Sunil Narine produced a masterful spell of bowling to lead West Indies to their first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup crown.

The mystery spinner walked away with figures of 3-9 as Sri Lanka were left stunned in their pursuit of 138 for victory.

Narine picked up the key wicket of Mahela Jayawardene before claiming the final dismissal of Lasith Malinga to cap a remarkable effort with the ball, as Sri Lanka fell 36 runs short.

2014 – Herath turns the tide

In a match that would see the winner progress to the semis, Rangana Herath’s superb five wickets for just three runs helped Sri Lanka to the all-important victory.

Having been bowled out for 119 by New Zealand, Herath proceeded to rip through the Black Caps’ batting order, taking crucial wickets throughout the innings while also aiding two run-outs.

New Zealand could not cope with Herath’s skill that day and were duly dismissed for just 60.

2016 – “Carlos Brathwaite! Remember the name!”

Carlos Brathwaite’s four consecutive sixes in the 2016 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final are the stuff of legend.

Needing 19 runs from the last over, West Indies were seemingly heading towards defeat at the hands of England.

But up stepped Brathwaite to deposit Ben Stokes’ first four balls into the stands and ensure the trophy was heading back to the Caribbean, with the iconic moment immortalised by Ian Bishop’s legendary commentary.

2021 – Marsh leads Australia to maiden T20 title

In the 2021 final, Mitch Marsh played a match-winning innings for Australia, scoring an unbeaten 77 as the Aussies chased down their 173-run target set by New Zealand.

Alongside David Warner, Marsh helped steady the ship after Aaron Finch’s early dismissal before demonstrating his power-hitting abilities.

Marsh duly earned the Player of the Match award as Australia won by eight wickets.

2022 - Stokes’ redemption

England’s second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup win not only saw them become the first country to hold both white-ball world champion titles at the same time, but also allowed Stokes to banish the ghosts of 2016.

In the final, Sam Curran (3-12) helped restricted Pakistan to 137-8 batting first, before England struggled in reply and quickly slipped to 45-3.

Up stepped Stokes with a carefully crafted 52* which got his side over the line with an over to spare.

2024 – Kohli stands tall in the final

Like Stokes in 2022, another behemoth of the modern game combined composure with guile to steal the show in the 2024 final, as Virat Kohli anchored India’s innings with a sumptuous 76.

After watching from the non-striker’s end as his team slipped to 34-3, Kohli went on to earn the Player of the Match award by steering India towards a highly-competitive 176-7.

Opponents South Africa fell seven runs short in reply, with Jasprit Bumrah exceptional with the ball, but it was Player of the Match Kohli who made the headlines in what proved to be his final T20I match.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights will be the on-field umpires for the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and the Netherlands to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground on 7 February.

Dharmasena, an off-spinner who was a member of the Sri Lankan team that won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1996, has overseen 37 matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup including the finals of 2016 and 2022, putting him fourth on the all-time list.

New Zealander Knights, in contrast, is at his first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and will reach the landmark of 50 T20Is as on-field umpire in the Group A match in Colombo.

The complete match-day appointments for the group stage of the 20-team tournament were announced today while the appointments for the Super Eight and knockout stages will be confirmed in due course.

Elsewhere on the opening day, Nitin Menon and Sam Nogajski will be in the middle for the Group C clash between Scotland and the West Indies. Menon was part of the on-field team for the first semi-final at the 2024 World Cup, between Afghanistan and South Africa, while Nogajski’s four group matches last time out included India’s clash with the United States of America.

Those two teams meet again this year, rounding off a triple-header on 7 February, and this time Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker will be the on-field duo.

Tucker leads the way for matches officiated in this competition, on 46, and will bring up his half-century during the tournament. The Australian will also be in charge of the England versus Nepal, India against Namibia and the South Africa against the United Arab Emirates fixtures.

Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth stood alongside for the 2024 final and reunite for the Group B clash between Australia and Ireland on 11 February.

Illingworth will also be in the middle, alongside Dharmasena, for the crunch clash between rivals India and Pakistan in Colombo on 15 February.

In all, 24 officials will be on-field umpires during the group stage, with Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Langton Rusere and Adrian Holdstock among the other returnees.

Match Officials at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Match Referees: Dean Cosker, David Gilbert, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson and Javagal Srinath.

Umpires: Roland Black, Chris Brown, Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Wayne Knights, Donovan Koch, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Nitin Menon, Sam Nogajski, KNA Padmanabhan, Allahuddien Paleker, Ahsan Raza, Leslie Reifer, Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Gazi Sohel, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Raveendra Wimalasiri and Asif Yaqoob.

 

[Ball Blazer]

UAE's star batter Muhammad Waseem will lead the 15-member contingent for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, commencing next month.

Squad: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh.

 

[Ball Blazer]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today released “Feel the Thrill”, the official song of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, setting the tone for the tournament and celebrating the excitement and global passion of T20 cricket.

Composed and sung by acclaimed Indian music composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander, the track has been unveiled worldwide as the sonic heartbeat of the much-anticipated tournament being played in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March.

“When nations collide, action isn’t watched, it’s lived” – the song picks up with the fierce spirit the tournament upholds among the competing teams. The song mirrors the tournament’s high-intensity campaign Feel the Thrill, blending energetic beats with lyrics that reflect the passion, drama and emotion of T20 cricket.

With a global sound and verses that bring the roar of cricket to the fore, ‘Feel the Thrill’ is crafted to resonate with fans from every corner of the cricketing world.

The song sets the vibes for the tournament even before a single ball is bowled. “This is where national pride swings with every shot/Where passion hits as hard as the ball” brings out what is at stake as 20 teams lock horns across 55 matches for the ultimate T20 crown.

Mr. Sanjog Gupta, ICC CEO, said: "ICC's pinnacle events are global cultural extravaganzas bringing together the best of lifestyle, entertainment, community and experiential diversity, with a compelling athletic spectacle at their heart. The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is uniquely competitive, thrilling and expressive, where moments turn into life-long memories for players and fans alike.

The official song for the tournament aspires to bring this spirit to life, using its music to connect fans, celebrate diversity and turn the event into a shared worldwide celebration of the best that our sport offers."

Anirudh Ravichander said: “Every cheer, every silence, every heartbeat connects in the same tune when it comes to cricket. It’s a feeling, an emotion. I’m glad to be associated with the Feel the Thrill campaign and official song. This is our attempt to bring the global fans together in a spirited unity up and above the fierce on-field rivalry that is set to unfold across the subcontinent.”

Fans can enjoy the track available on digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, YouTube Music, Instagram, Facebook and others.

The 2026 edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup promises a month of fast-paced action with the tournament returning to the subcontinent, co-hosted by two nations with rich cricketing history and past World Cup success.

India start the tournament as defending champions and will chase history as no host nation has ever lifted the trophy at home. With tickets starting from just ₹100 and LKR1000, fans are in for a thrilling experience.