Indian Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is ready for his international comeback with the home ODI series against New Zealand, starting on Sunday (January 11), which will be hosted at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara. The day before the ODI series opener, Gill spoke in his snub from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 squad. 

Shubman Gill was T20I vice-captain

Shubman Gill was earlier selected as the T20I vice-captain, but as an opener in the T20I format, the right-handed batter was struggling to perform comfortably. While he was out of the playing XI for the last two games of the five-match home T20I series against South Africa last December, Sanju Samson impressed as an opener in the last game of the series. Soon after that series finale, the Indian squad was announced for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where the vice-captain Gill was dropped from the team.

Watch: BCCI shares special training video of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of IND vs NZ series

I respect the selectors’ decision: Shubman Gill 

Indian Test and ODI skipper is in a positive mood, as he is focusing on his upcoming opportunities and not thinking much about his T20I exclusion, while respecting the selectors' decision. He has also wished for India's title retention goal success. 

Gill said in the press conference, “Firstly, it is my belief that in my life, I am where I am supposed to be. Whatever is written in my destiny, I will have it. As a player, I want to win games for my team, but having said that, I respect the selectors’ decision. I wish the T20 team the very best. I hope that they win the World Cup."

After the three-match ODI series, the Suryakumar Yadav-led India will host New Zealand for a five-match T20I series, starting on January 21. After the back-to-back home bilateral series, India will host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 along with Sri Lanka from February 7 and March 8, 2026.

Ireland have announced their complete 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, as they are ready to challenge big teams in the forthcoming T20 World Cup. 

The Test-playing nation Ireland are ready for their ninth straight T20 World Cup, who are featuring in the tournament consistently except for the inaugural edition in 2007 in South Africa. Paul Stirling is ready to lead the Irish team in the forthcoming T20 World Cup. Out of 15 names, 12 players were present in the last edition of the T20 World Cup, which the West Indies and the United States hosted in 2024 edition. The remaining three names who didn’t participate in the last edition are Tim Tector, Ben Calitz, and Matthew Humphreys.

Ireland are in Group B in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

India and Sri Lanka are ready to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between February 7 and March 8, 2026, where 20 teams will participate in the tournament. Ireland are in Group B along with the hosts Sri Lanka, who also won the title in 2014, 2021 champions Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman. The top two teams of the final points table will advance to the Super 8 stage of the tournament. 

Ireland will play all their group stage fixture in Sri Lanka. They will start the tournament with the match against Sri Lanka on February 8, while they will then face Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe on February 11, 14, and 17, respectively. 

See Also: Oman announce squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

In the 2022 edition, Ireland had their best journey with three wins and ended in the second round group stage of that tournament (Super 12). Last edition, they failed to win a single game, as they recorded three losses, which were against India, Pakistan, and Canada, and one no result against the hosts USA. Surely, the Greens are desperate for a better and historic show in the upcoming T20 World Cup. 

Ireland full squad in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Paul Stirling (C), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker (vc), Ben White, Craig Young

The International Cricket Council's and the Bangladesh Cricket Board's face-off has become more serious now that the ICC has declined Bangladesh's proposal to move its T20 World Cup 2026 matches outside India. The officiating body has signalled that no alteration will be made to the timetable or the places with less than a month remaining before the tournament kicks off.

The ICC denies the BCB wishes for grounds to be relocated after the review

On-site and security issues were reported by ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz, and a virtual meeting took place on Tuesday among ICC officials and BCB representatives. The meeting was the one through which ICC told BCB that it detected no security threats that were credible or could be acted upon for Bangladesh national cricket team while playing in India. The ICC thus finds no reason to shift Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka.

The problem initially came up due to the rising diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh, which were exacerbated by Mustafizur Rahman's release from Kolkata Knight Riders prior to IPL 2026. His case was in wake of the BCB's expressing its concerns and formally writing to the ICC about the "safety and security" situation of its players and officials and asking for the relocation of Bangladesh's matches in the World Cup from India.

ALSO SEE: New Zealand squad for T20 World Cup 2026 announced

Conflicting claims persist as ICC holds firm on India venues

Whereas ESPNcricinfo noted that the ICC cautioned Bangladesh that they would have to go to India or otherwise lose points, the BCB has rejected the idea that any such ultimatum was given to them. The ICC and the BCB have not provided any written official statements that would clarify the meeting's outcome, which only adds to the situation's ambiguity.

According to the current itinerary, Bangladesh will face West Indies on February 7 in the first match of their T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens. Before moving on to Mumbai to compete against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium, they will also have matches with Italy and England in Kolkata.

The ICC’s verdict has been in favor of Bangladesh; however, the situation remains the same for now. With the tournament nearing, the BCB is probably going to have to make its decision regarding the next step, but the ICC is telling them that, security-wise, it is the same old story in India and Sri Lanka in regard to the World Cup.

New Zealand national cricket team have named a spin-heavy 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, with all-rounder Mitchell Santner continuing as captain.

The selection reflects New Zealand’s clear focus on sub-continent conditions. Three of their four group matches will be played at the spin-friendly MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a venue well known to Santner and several squad members through their IPL experience. The conditions are expected to favour slow bowlers, and the Black Caps have responded by stacking their line-up with spin and spin-bowling all-rounders.

Santner-led side combines spin variety with strong pace and flexible batting

Santner will be supported in the spin department by Ish Sodhi, New Zealand’s second-highest T20I wicket-taker, along with all-round options Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. The depth in spin also allows flexibility in team combinations depending on surfaces in India and Sri Lanka.

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Despite the spin focus, head coach Rob Walter has ensured a strong pace unit. ICC’s second-ranked T20I bowler Jacob Duffy will play his first World Cup, alongside experienced quicks Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne. Kyle Jamieson travels as a pace-bowling reserve.

The batting group blends power and adaptability, with Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman and Tim Seifert providing multiple options across the order.

Five players, including Santner, are currently nursing injuries, but New Zealand Cricket has confirmed all are on track to be fit. New Zealand open their campaign against Afghanistan on February 8 in Chennai, confident that experience and conditions-specific planning can push them deep into the tournament.

New Zealand squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Mitchell Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
Traveling reserve: Kyle Jamieson

Nepal have officially announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, signalling both continuity and quiet confidence as they prepare for cricket’s biggest stage. The selection reflects Nepal’s steady rise in international cricket, blending proven performers with emerging talent that has powered their recent progress.

At the centre of the squad is Rohit Paudel, who will continue as captain. At just 23, Rohit has grown into one of Nepal’s most composed batters, admired for his temperament and tactical awareness. His leadership during high-pressure moments has been a defining factor in Nepal’s evolution, and the team management has once again placed its trust in his calm authority.

Balanced squad, settled leadership and smart selections shape Nepal’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign

Supporting him is Dipendra Singh Airee, named vice-captain. Dipendra’s value to the side goes far beyond numbers. His ability to influence games with both bat and ball gives Nepal crucial flexibility, especially in the fast-paced demands of T20 cricket. Together, Rohit and Dipendra form a leadership pair that balances composure with impact.

Nepal’s bowling attack will once again lean heavily on Sandeep Lamichhane, whose experience and wicket-taking ability remain vital against top-quality opposition. Around him, a strong supporting cast of seamers and spin options ensures Nepal have the tools to adapt to different conditions across India and Sri Lanka.

The squad features two changes from the Qualifiers group. Sher Malla and Basir Ahamad have been included, replacing Kushal Malla and Aadil Alam. These adjustments point to a desire for better balance and depth, particularly in the middle order and bowling combinations.

Overall, Nepal’s selection underlines stability rather than experimentation. With a settled leadership group and a well-rounded mix of skills, Nepal will be eager to make a strong impression and continue their upward trajectory on the global stage.

Nepal squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla, Lokesh Bam

A special ceremony held in Kathmandu on Monday revealed the official jersey of the Nepalese national cricket team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is considered a proud moment for the flyover country’s cricket.

The jersey was launched by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) in partnership with T10 Sports the official kit manufacturer. The new strip was worn by both the men’s and women’s national teams during the event, signifying the unity of all formats and genders. The men’s team will play in the kit at the T20 World Cup next month, while the women’s team will also wear the same jersey at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, which will be held in Nepal.

The occasion was made even more spectacular by the presence of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy, which had just arrived in Kathmandu as part of its worldwide tour. Earlier in the day, the trophy was presented at Sheetal Niwas by Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel, who regarded the occasion as a sign of Nepal’s increasing influence in international cricket. He also pointed out that cricket was a factor in the nation’s unity and the youth’s encouragement.

🇳🇵The #Rhino’s World Cup jersey is here! #Rhinos are ready, Are you ready to wear your passion ? ⏳#NepalCricket pic.twitter.com/Khrr4oHEdL

— CAN (@CricketNep) January 5, 2026

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Nepal set for third T20 World Cup appearance as Trophy Tour reaches Kathmandu

Starting last year, the Trophy Tour that began with Adam's Bridge has gone through several Asian countries, granting fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the famous silverware from a close distance. In Nepal, the trophy was presented to the two national teams during the ceremony that honored the players.

Chatur Bahadur Chand, the president of CAN, declared that Nepal would participate in the T20 World Cup for the third time, saying it was a great honor. Nepal is in Group C with England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Italy, and all their group matches are set to take place in Mumbai.

The tournament will take place from February 7 to March 8 with 20 teams sharing eight venues between India and Sri Lanka, and Nepal will take another confident step on the global stage.

Shehan Jayasuriya, who had once a bright career as a former Sri Lankan all-rounder, is now going through a homecoming but in a different way, since he has decided to represent the United States national team for the forthcoming Cricket World Cup. This already controversial decision marks a significant new chapter in the life of the 34-year-old as well as being the unmasking of the gradually increasing USA cricket ambitions on the international scale.

The American team is expected to play a series of five T20 matches as part of the group’s final preparations for the tournament. This will be the setting for Jayasuriya’s first major competition against top-quality opposition since being granted his call-up. The inclusion has been the subject of extensive speculation; however, the USA Cricket Board has not yet confirmed the final World Cup roster, despite it being widely reported.

Jayasuriya's first steps in cricket were taken at Prince of Wales' College in Moratuwa, from where he moved up through the ranks of Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket. Between 2015 and 2020, he played for the Sri Lankan national cricket team, participating in 12 ODIs and 18 T20Is. He was a naturally aggressive left-handed batter who could also spin the ball. He made 195 runs in ODI batting in 10 innings and scored 241 runs in T20I batting in 16 innings, usually with his runs coming in crucial situations.

ALSO SEE: Bangladesh announce 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Shehan Jayasuriya boosts USA’s World Cup squad with experience and depth

Jayasuriya’s domestic cricket career at the national level was a spectacular one; he made up 13 hundreds and 32 fifties at a rate of 145 innings from 87 matches. After the end of his Sri Lankan cricket association, he went to the US where he played in the best domestic leagues and finally got a chance to play for the US national team as per ICC guidelines.

His being part of the team is thought to considerably fortify the USA squad's middle order and bowling options. Apart from the statistics, Jayasuriya contributes to the team through his huge international experience, tactical insight, and leadership, all of which are great assets to a World Cup setting. Moreover, he is considered as a mentor for the younger players in the team.

A one-time international player from Sri Lanka being part of the USA cricket team points to the slow but steady growth of the sport in the US and also shows the team's desire to play at the top. The crowd will be looking forward to knowing how the professionalism and age of Jayasuriya will be reflected on the global front as impact.

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. 

See Also: 3 reasons why Usman Khawaja retiring from Tests after Ashes 2025-26 is the wrong move

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. 

Former Sri Lanka fast bowler Dhammika Prasad has been appointed as the fast bowling coach and assistant coach of the United States men’s national cricket team ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.

A product of De Mazenod College, Kandana, Prasad later joined Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) as a right-arm fast-medium bowler and went on to enjoy a highly productive domestic career. He claimed an impressive 351 first-class wickets in 131 matches, underlining his consistency and durability at the highest level of domestic cricket.

Experience boost for USA ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

At the international stage, Prasad represented Sri Lanka in 25 Tests, 24 ODIs and one T20 International between 2006 and 2015. He picked up 75 Test wickets, with best figures of 5 for 50, and added 32 wickets in ODIs. Known for his ability to strike early with the new ball, Prasad played pivotal roles in several memorable series wins, most notably Sri Lanka’s historic Test series triumph in England in 2014.

ALSO SEE: 5 major international cricketing events to look forward to in 2026 ft. Men's T20 World Cup

After announcing his retirement from international cricket in 2021, Prasad transitioned smoothly into coaching. He has since built a solid résumé, working as a bowling coach and consultant across different international setups, including a stint as Nepal’s fast bowling coach. At 42, his new role with USA Cricket will see him work closely with the American pacers to refine their skills and enhance tactical awareness ahead of cricket’s biggest global event.

The USA enter the 2026 T20 World Cup with growing belief after their breakthrough campaign in 2024, where they reached the Super 8 stage and famously defeated Pakistan in a Super Over. Placed in a challenging Group A alongside defending champions India, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands, the Americans will begin their campaign against India on the opening day - a true test of how far this emerging side has come.

Cricket at the international level never lacked in 2025, especially from the standpoint of India. The men's team won the ICC Champions Trophy in the UAE, while the women’s team made history by winning their first-ever ODI World Cup. South Africa was the main character in the Test scenario, as they not only defeated India and thus won a very tight series, but ended up victorious in the World Test Championship final at Lord's. Meanwhile, Australia took back the Ashes from England after defeating them at home, thus retaining the trophy.

In light of these events, the year 2026 is already seeing the glimmer of another entertaining chapter in the game. Cricket fans will witness a continuity of action through global ICC tournaments and high-stakes bilateral conflicts. Let us take a sneak peek at the five international cricketing events in 2026 that are going to be the most exciting to watch.

1 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup

Certainly, the year will be marked by the ICC Men's T20 World Cup as the prime attraction. The tournament is going to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8 and is going to feature the defending champions India who will be entering the World Cup exceptionally under pressure and with huge expectations especially because of the favorable home conditions.

A total of 20 teams are going to fight for the title, Organised in 4 groups of 5 each. India is drawn into Group A with Pakistan, Namibia, the United States, and the Netherlands, a group that assures thrilling matches and early controversies. The top two performing teams of each group will proceed to the Super Eight stage, then to the semifinals and finally to the championship match.

India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and with Axar Patel as vice-captain, will be very much intent on retaining their title and once more proving their mettle in the shortest format.

2 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

The women's game is developing and growing more and more, and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup will be another landmark event. The tournament will take place in England from June 12 to July 5.

New Zealand will be the defending champions after getting their first title in 2024. India's squad will be full of hope to go really far this time after being runners-up in several earlier tournaments. The Indian women's side comprising both young and experienced will consider this championship as a golden chance to snatch their first T20 World Cup title. With full stadiums and a robust fan base in England, a very close cutoff and excellent tournament are what the fans can look forward to.

3 Cricket in the 2026 Asian Games

For the Asian Games, cricket has been scheduled again, and this time it will take place in Japan from September 19 to October 4. The Asian Cricket Council has announced that 10 men's and 8 women's teams will participate, and they were selected according to the continental rankings.

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This will be the fourth time cricket is played at the Asian Games. In 2010, 2014, and 2023, it was already on the agenda. India is entering as the reigning champion in both men's and women's categories, having taken home gold in Hangzhou.

The event not only grants awards but also acts as a battleground for the new Asian teams that want to test their skills against the big cricketing nations.

4 India Tour to New Zealand

India's journey to New Zealand will be one of the most difficult assignments of the year. The 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle includes India playing two Test matches, which will most probably take place in October–November 2026.

Usually, New Zealand has been a tough place for India in red-ball cricket. Out of the 25 Tests played at New Zealand, India has managed to win only five and has lost ten, while the rest have been drawn. The trip is also rumored to host three ODIs which will extend the competition even more.

Given the conditions that are friendly to the seamers and the constant swing, India's performance across all areas of batting, bowling, and fielding will surely be tested through this series.

5 Australia tour of South Africa 

The world cricket scene has very few rivalries that can match the one between Australia and South Africa, and the 2026 series is already expected to be an intense one. Australia will be traveling to South Africa, where they will play three Test matches as part of the WTC 2025–27 cycle and three ODIs, probably in September–October.

The two sides feature terrific pacers in their respective lineups, and games played in South African conditions are hardly ever boring. The presence of World Test Championship points will make it aggressive cricket, fiery spells, and tightly contested encounters all through the tour.