South Africa announce ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 with one surprise inclusion

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 runners-up South Africa have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where one surprise name has been included. 

South Africa reached the Final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, which was their first Final in the ICC World Cup history (only in senior men's). They lost the Final against India closely, as the Proteas lost that game by seven runs. 

While South Africa are struggling in the T20I format, as they won only six matches out of 18 T20Is in 2025 (lost 12 games), they are dreaming of their first ICC World Cup title. 

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ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: South Africa are in Group D

India and Sri Lanka will jointly host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 from February 7 to March 8. South Africa are in Group D in the tournament with New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. The top two teams in the final points table will advance to the Super Eight stage. 

Aiden Markram will lead South Africa in the forthcoming T20 World Cup. He will take the major batting role along with experienced wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, and Jason Smith. The 31-year-old Smith has played only two T20Is and three ODIs, while Tristian Stubbs has been dropped from the squad.