ICC Africa conference plans Africa Cup 2026 after South Africa-Zimbabwe-Namibia tri series

With the craze of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the Big Bash League (BBL), the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and other events like the Big Bash League (BBL) and the SA20 across the world, other administrations have also tried to structure their own tournaments. 

Meanwhile, there is also excitement in Zimbabwe and Namibia, co-hosting the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 with South Africa. The African Cricket administrators have revealed their plans to launch a new T20 tri-series involving the three sides, as part of a broader push to commercialize the sport across the region.

South Africa-Zimbabwe-Namibia proposed for T20I tri-series

The proposed T20I tri-series was discussed during the ICC Africa Regional Conference in Namibia, with the officials targeting the soft launch in August. The Cricket Financial Journal claimed that the plan also concluded a competitive six-team Africa Cup. The Full Members- the Aiden Markram and Sikandar Raza-led sides- will feature alongside Namibia, who are currently at the 15th position in the T20I rankings.

The remaining three places will be completed via the regional qualifying tournaments, which will create a wider competitive footprint across cricket in Africa. The administrators considered a ten-team competition but had to settle on a six-team format as ideal. The full-scale Africa Cup will not take place this year, as the tri-series will serve as a preliminary event.

Efforts had also been made previously to establish a major T20 event, but that had struggled. However, there is new hope with the regular involvement from South Africa and Zimbabwe, and it’s expected to secure broadcast deals and sponsorships that could sustain the competition.

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A previous T20 Africa Cup, between 2022 and 2024, featured only Associated Nations and had to stop due to significant sponsorship difficulties. The officials now hope to replicate the success of the Asia Cup, which draws top and large audiences.

However, the major obstacle is finding room in the restricted Future Tours Programme (FTP), especially for the leading nations like India. Despite the challenges, the proposed six-team cup represents a massive step forward in taking regional cricket forward.

Fans react to proposed Africa Cup in 2026

Here is how the fans have reacted to the new proposal of the Africa Cup 2026 between six sides-