ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi stadium shortlisted to host ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final: Report

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:38:54 GMT

Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to host the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) likely to announce the full schedule soon. As per The Indian Express, top BCCI officials held a meeting recently and decided that this time the World Cup will be played in fewer cities compared to the 2023 ODI World Cup. Each selected venue is likely to host around six matches to ensure better scheduling and management.

The BCCI has shortlisted five major Indian cities; Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai, for the men’s T20 World Cup. Apart from India, three stadiums in Sri Lanka will also host games, though the names of those venues are yet to be finalized. The joint hosting of the T20 World Cup marks a strong partnership between India and Sri Lanka in organizing global cricket tournaments.

There is still uncertainty over whether Bengaluru and Lucknow will be added as venues. The Indian board has already ruled out the grounds that hosted matches during the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup, meaning Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Indore, and Navi Mumbai will not be part of the 2026 tournament’s hosting lineup.

India-Pakistan and Semi-final Venue Decisions

The ICC noted that Sri Lanka will play in Colombo if the team qualifies for the semifinals. If Pakistan makes it to the final, it will be at a neutral venue. The Indian board also confirmed that the highly awaited game on the group-stage between India and Pakistan will be at Colombo, following a prior agreement between the BCCI and PCB.

Both boards had agreed that India and Pakistan would not travel to each other’s countries for future tournaments, opting instead to play on neutral grounds. The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to commence early in the year, and the BCCI has already submitted its proposed schedule to the global cricketing body for approval.

Pakistan likely to tour Sri Lanka in January 2026 amid BBL NOC concerns

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:27:42 GMT

There is a strong possibility that Pakistan will tour Sri Lanka in January 2026, with discussions currently underway between the two cricket boards. If finalized, the series could see Pakistan play three T20 internationals in Colombo on January 8, 10, and 12. However, sources have indicated that the final schedule will be confirmed only after resolving certain pending matters.

This proposed series could further complicate the issue of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Pakistani players participating in the Big Bash League (BBL). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously suspended players’ NOCs after the Asia Cup, and with a January series on the cards, several players might be forced to miss part of the Australian league.

BBL participation under threat as Pakistan plan Sri Lanka tour ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The BBL is scheduled from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, with seven Pakistani players lined up to participate. Babar Azam is set to play for the Sydney Sixers, Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan for Melbourne Renegades, Shaheen Afridi for Brisbane Heat, Hasan Ali for Adelaide Strikers, Haris Rauf for Melbourne Stars, and Shadab Khan for Sydney Thunder. While Babar and Rizwan are currently not in Pakistan’s T20I setup, both could make a return ahead of the T20 World Cup. Shadab, who is recovering from injury, and Shaheen remain key figures in the national side.

ALSO SEE: BCCI commits major error, confuses Sarfaraz Khan with his brother Musheer Khan

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s immediate focus remains on their upcoming home season. They are set to host Sri Lanka for three ODIs from November 11 to 15, followed by a proposed T20 tri-series from November 17 to 29 involving Afghanistan. However, with tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalating, the latter’s participation is now uncertain, and PCB may need to find a replacement team.

The January tour will also serve as crucial preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which Sri Lanka will co-host. For Pakistan, the series could provide an ideal opportunity to acclimatize to local conditions ahead of the mega event.

PCB considers Babar Azam recall amid doubts over Salman Ali Agha’s T20I form

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:56:51 GMT

Pakistan cricket is facing a heated contested selection debate ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering bringing Babar Azam back to strengthen the T20I squad for the marquee event. In the meantime, Salman Ali Agha's role as Pakistan's captain and batter for T20I is still in question after his below-par performance during the Asia Cup 2025, as he scored only 72 runs in seven games at an average of 12 and a strike rate of 80.89.

Despite that, Salman continues to get support from Pakistan selectors and head coach Mike Hesson, although in PCB circles, concerns about his inconsistent performances are rising. According to journalist Saleem Khaliq, Hesson and the selectors remain determined to keep Salman as T20I captain, but some PCB officials have raised doubts about his ability to lead the batting line-up as the team prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The PCB is also reportedly considering recalling former captain Babar Azam for the upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa at home. But the team management has raised some concerns regarding Babar's return, mentioning the concerns of team balance and strategy. Hesson had earlier stated that Babar must enhance his strike rate and game against spin if he is to make a T20I return, which was also the reason for his Asia Cup 2025 exclusion.

Split in PCB Over T20I Leadership

Babar Azam has been out of T20Is since the latter part of 2024 due to poor performances and low strike rates, but the PCB feels his experience would bring stability to the T20I team in the run-up to the World Cup. Although the board wishes for his return, the present team management prefers sticking with Salman Ali Agha as captain, and hence the PCB is divided on this matter. It remains uncertain whether Babar will make a comeback for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.

Earlier, Pakistan made surprise changes to its squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, dropping fast bowler Aamir Jamal and spinner Faisal Akram, reducing the squad from 18 to 16 players. The first Test begins at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16, followed by the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24. After the Tests, both teams will play three T20Is and three ODIs between October 28 and November 8.

India Cricket 2025-2026: Full Upcoming Match Fixtures & Schedule

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 22:19:35 GMT

Cricket has become more exciting than ever in the world nowadays, and fans always look forward to India’s match schedule from 2025-26. The full schedule for the 2025-26 season has been released, and the Indian team is expected to perform well in all formats, particularly at home. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy, but India played its matches in Dubai and won the title by beating New Zealand in the final. After that, the focus shifted to the Tata IPL 2025, which started on March 20 in stadiums across India. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) won their first-ever IPL title, giving their fans a season to remember.

The 18th IPL season found the young, talented players, including stars from around the world. It was not only an exciting series for fans but also gave Indian players good practice ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. In September, India maintained their winning momentum after defeating Pakistan in Dubai and went on to win the Asia Cup 2025.

🚨 NON STOP CRICKET ACTION FOR INDIAN FANS. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/UbiJXxJZhU
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 2, 2025

ALSO READ: 'We want them...' - Indian bowling coach huge revelation before much anticipated IND- W vs PAK - W Women's World Cup 2025 match

India Cricket Upcoming Matches Schedule (Oct 2025 – Jul 2026)

Month	Event / Series
Oct–Nov 2025	India Tour of Australia – 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is
Nov–Dec 2025	South Africa Tour of India – 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is
Jan 2026	New Zealand Tour of India – 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is
Feb–Mar 2026	ICC T20 World Cup 2026 – Hosted by India & Sri Lanka
Jul 2026	India Tour of England – 5 T20Is, 3 ODIs

South Africa Tour of India 2025 (November – December)

Match	Date	Venue	Time
1st Test	14–18 November	Eden Gardens, Kolkata	09:30 AM
2nd Test	22–26 November	Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati	09:30 AM

ODI Series

Match	Date	Venue	Time
1st ODI	30 November	Ranchi	01:30 PM
2nd ODI	3 December	Raipur	01:30 PM
3rd ODI	6 December	Visakhapatnam	01:30 PM

T20I Series

Match	Date	Venue	Time
1st T20I	9 December	Cuttack	07:00 PM
2nd T20I	11 December	Mullanpur (New Chandigarh)	07:00 PM
3rd T20I	14 December	Dharamsala	07:00 PM
4th T20I	17 December	Lucknow	07:00 PM
5th T20I	19 December	Ahmedabad	07:00 PM

Namibia become 16th team to book place in T20 World Cup 2026

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:34:25 GMT

Namibia became the 16th team to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after securing a commanding 63-run win over Tanzania in the Africa Regional Qualifier semifinal in Harare on Thursday. The tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Namibia vs Tanzania – Match Summary

Team	Scorecard	Top Performers
Namibia	174/6 in 20 overs	JJ Smit 61* (43), Erasmus 55 (41)
Tanzania	111/8 in 20 overs	Patwa 31 (31); Smit 3/16, Shikongo 3/21
Result	Namibia won by 63 runs, qualified for T20 WC 2026

After being asked to bat first, Namibia recovered from early setbacks in the powerplay to post 174/6. Captain Gerhard Erasmus anchored the innings with a fluent 55 off 41 balls, while JJ Smit produced a crucial all-round performance, smashing an unbeaten 61 from 43 deliveries before starring with the ball.

In reply, Tanzania faltered against Namibia’s disciplined bowling attack. JJ Smit struck early with two wickets in one over, finishing with 3/16, while Ben Shikongo added 3/21. Despite Abhik Patwa’s 31, Tanzania never threatened to chase down the target, ending on 111/8.

Namibia’s World Cup History

This will be Namibia’s fourth T20 World Cup appearance after featuring in 2021, 2022, and 2024. The highlight of their journey so far came in 2022 when they stunned Sri Lanka in a memorable group-stage upset.

ALSO SEE: Litton Das Expresses Regret Over Missing Asia Cup Clashes Against India and Pakistan

Teams Qualified for T20 World Cup 2026

Qualification Route	Teams
Hosts	India, Sri Lanka
Super Eight (2024 WC)	Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, USA
ICC Rankings	Pakistan, New Zealand, Ireland
Regional Finals	Canada (Americas), Netherlands (Europe), Italy (Europe), Namibia (Africa)

A total of 16 teams are confirmed for the 20-team tournament. The last three spots will be decided through the Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers in Oman from October 8, where teams like Nepal, UAE, Oman, and Papua New Guinea will compete.

What Next?

The second semifinal of the Africa Regional Qualifier between Zimbabwe and Kenya will decide the continent’s other qualifier. South Africa are already through, having secured direct entry via their Super Eight finish in the 2024 World Cup.

Namibia’s victory ensures they remain a consistent presence on the global stage, with the squad now preparing to test their skills against cricket’s biggest names in India and Sri Lanka next year.

1983 World Cup hero feels India won't win T20 World Cup 2026

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 22:24:49 GMT

While the Indian team is ready to start their journey in the Asia Cup 2025, a former Indian captain and one of the heroes of the Indian cricket team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup, is unhappy with the team and feels that the Men in Blues can't defend the Men's T20 World Cup trophy in the upcoming edition.

Suryakumar Yadav-led India are ready for the Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in T20I format, a preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will host in next year's February and March. Apart from co-hosting the next T20 World Cup, India will also defend the title, as they won the last T20 World Cup (2024) in West Indies and USA, which was their second T20 World Cup title after winning its inaugural edition in 2007.

There is no chance of winning the T20 World Cup with this bunch: Krishnamachari Srikkanth

Former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who was the highest run-scorer in India's victorious 1983 World Cup Final against West Indies, feels that India may win the upcoming Asia Cup, but they can't win the next T20 World Cup with this team.

Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, “We might win the Asia Cup with this team, but there is no chance of winning the T20 World Cup with this bunch. Are you going to take this team to the World Cup? Is this the preparation for the T20 World Cup, which is hardly six months away?”

While Indian Test captain and ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill has been included in the Asia Cup squad as a vice-captain, Srikkanth is unhappy with the vice-captaincy exclusion from the all-rounder Axar Patel. He is also unhappy with the selections of Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana.

Srikkanth questioned, “They have gone backwards. Axar Patel has been axed from vice-captaincy. I don’t know how Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana have come in. IPL is considered the main criterion for selection, but the selectors seem to have considered performances before that.”

Who will bat at No. 5?

The former Indian captain has questioned the no.5 batting position, while he is also disappointed with the non-inclusion of the Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Srikkanth added, “Who will bat at No. 5? Five has to be either Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma or Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh. Hardik Pandya usually bats at No. 5, so now, Axar cannot bat at six. I can’t understand how they picked Dube. Yashasvi Jaiswal has performed in international cricket and IPL as well. What does he do?”

Glenn Maxwell looking at new special role for T20 World Cup 2026

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:36:28 GMT

Australian star Glenn Maxwell is seriously focusing on the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will host in February and March 2026, and the all-rounder is looking at an important role for his national team for the next T20 World Cup.

As the next Men's T20 World Cup will be played in the subcontinent, the spinners will have to play an important role in the tournament. The 36-year-old Glenn Maxwell isn't only an aggressive middle-order batter, but he is also an effective off-spinner. In 123 T20Is, he has taken 49 wickets, while he also recorded 77 wickets in 149 ODIs. In his T20 career, the off-spinner has picked up 194 wickets in 485 games.

[Watch] Glenn Maxwell takes stunning boundary catch to seal the victory in 1st AUS vs SA T20I

Glenn Maxwell ready to bowl in powerplay in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Off-spinner Maxwell wants to take the powerplay bowling responsibility during the forthcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. In the ongoing home T20I series against South Africa, Maxwell has shown his effectiveness with the ball in hand in the powerplay as he delivered two overs in the powerplays in each of the first two T20Is and picked up one wicket in each of those match, while conceding only 13 runs in two overs of powerplay in each game.

Before the three-match T20I series decider, Maxwell said, "I think in the subcontinent, you might be able to get a little bit more out of it as a spinner early on. Especially that new ball, the hard seam, being able to grip on those dry surfaces. So it might be something we think about heading forward."

Maxwell also added that he enjoyed taking wickets, but was also surprised by these successes. He is always present to do his job when his team needs him, including the powerplay bowling.

Maxwell added, "I'm just as surprised as anyone when I get a wicket. I love getting wickets. It's very surprising anytime I get anyone out. I'm there to do a job in the PowerPlay and I'm trying to execute that as well as I can."

I'm filling holes at the moment: Glenn Maxwell on his role as batter

In the recently concluded West Indies tour, while Australia won the T20I series 5-0, Maxwell opened the innings for the last four matches in the absence of Travis Head. However, in the ongoing home T20I series against South Africa, Maxwell has returned to his familiar middle-order batting. The experienced cricketer has clarified that he is completely ready to bat at any position in the format.

Maxwell commented, "I've been a bit of the shuffler around the order, up and down. I'm filling holes at the moment. Even during the West Indies series, trying to combat Akeal Hosein (by) going up the top, this series going a little bit lower, trying to manage that back end. (I'm) trying to play whatever role is needed for me in this side and just try and be as adaptable as possible."

Joe Burns pens down emotional message after Italy made it through their maiden ICC T20 World Cup qualification

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 20:04:53 GMT

Joe Burns, the former Australian opening batter and the current captain of the Italian cricket side, has penned down an emotional message after they made it through to their maiden T20 World Cup qualification for the 2026 season in India and Sri Lanka. The Brisbane-born decided to join this side after his brother passed away a couple of years ago.

The final day of the Europe Qualifiers of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was a roller coaster with Jersey getting knocked out due to the Netherlands chasing their total a bit late. After being restricted to 134/7, Italy needed to hold the Dutch side for at least 15 overs to qualify. Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd got off to a powerful start, but Burns and his army stretched them back.

“I don’t think words will ever describe my emotions to this team and this country. Sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to a dream - we have walked this path into the unknown together to our first World Cup. Guided by the inspiration of those at home, around the world, or looking down from above. For the ones who have gone before and for generations to come.” Burns expressed during a recent Instagram post after the qualification.

Joe Burns pens down emotional message after Italy’s maiden T20 World Cup qualification

With the bat, Italy kept losing wickets regularly in the first inning. A steady knock by Benjamin Manenti and a late powerful knock by Grant Stewarts pushed them to 134/7. Jersey lost the qualification path despite earning a victory against Scotland, which was their first win against this opposition.

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A post shared by Joe Burns (@joeburns441)

“As many as 15 teams have qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 so far, with the Asia Eastern part will see another three further teams getting the tickets, while two more sides will come from the Africa qualifier to make it through. I hope this team can be a beacon for everyone to connect through family, through sport, and a shared story. May those who walk with us forever be proud. Without them, we never would have dared to dream.” Joe Burns wrote.

It's a huge step for the country towards the future for the growth of the game, despite the lack of infrastructure and the emotions the fans currently have for the sport.

New team set to debut in ICC T20 World Cup 2026:Know all about it

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 23:22:35 GMT

Netherlands and Italy have booked their places in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. Netherlands finished at the top of the Europe Regional Final, winning three out of four matches. Italy made it through by a very small margin, beating Jersey on Net Run Rate (NRR).

Netherlands and Italy qualify for 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka

It was a close and exciting Regional Final, with Italy, Netherlands, and Jersey all fighting for a spot. Earlier on Friday, Jersey pulled off a last-ball win against Scotland. It was the first time Jersey had ever beaten Scotland in a T20 match. In the final game, Netherlands needed to beat Italy to qualify. Italy just had to make sure they didn’t lose by a big margin. Italy batted first and scored 134 for seven. Netherlands chased the target in 17 overs to win, but Italy’s better NRR kept them ahead of Jersey in the table.

ALSO READ: [WATCH] ENG vs IND 3rd Test: Nasser Hussain criticizes India’s call to replace dukes ball at Lord's Test against England

The 2026 T20 World Cup will have 20 teams. Hosts India and Sri Lanka are joined by Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, and the United States, who all reached the Super Eights last time. Pakistan, New Zealand, and Ireland qualified thanks to their T20 rankings. Canada also made it by winning the Americas Regional Final in June.

🇮🇹 𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗬 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝟮𝟬 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 🏆

History has been created! The first ever CRICKET World Cup qualification for Italy it is! 💥

The Manenti brothers, Emilio Gay, Joe Burns and co. have brought a new spring to the cricketing generation of the… pic.twitter.com/sHCGiuO3At
— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) July 11, 2025

T20 World Cup 2026 Europe Qualifier table

Team	Matches	Won	Loss	NR	Points	NRR
Netherlands	4	3	1	0	6	+1.281
Italy	4	2	1	1	5	+0.612
Jersey	4	2	1	1	5	+0.306
Scotland	4	1	2	1	3	-0.117
Guernsey	4	0	3	1	1	-2.517

Oman gears up for high-stakes T20 World Cup Qualifiers

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:09:10 GMT

Cricketing eyes will turn to Oman this October as the Gulf nation hosts the all-important ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifier. The event will determine three spots at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

A total of nine teams, including some experienced campaigners and rising forces, will descend on Oman for a 10-day tournament that runs from 8 to 17 October. The line-up features hosts Oman, fellow Asian sides Nepal, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, and East Asia-Pacific challengers Papua New Guinea, Japan, and Samoa. Four of these teams, Oman, Nepal, UAE, and PNG, have played on the T20 World Cup stage before and will be keen to return.

The teams are split into three groups of three:

Group 1: UAE, Malaysia, Qatar
Group 2: Nepal, Kuwait, Japan
Group 3: Oman, Papua New Guinea, Samoa

ALSO SEE: Future of Asia cup at risk? ACC metting scheduled

Asia and East Asia-Pacific teams set for fierce T20 World Cup qualifying battles in Oman and Fiji

From October 12 to 17, the top two teams from each group advance to the Super Six stage. The top three finishers will then receive their tickets to the T20 World Cup. With the integration of the Asia and East Asia-Pacific regions into a single qualifying competition, this event marks a significant milestone in the ICC's redesigned pathway structure. It also gives associate nations a chance to demonstrate their advancements and assert their place at the international cricket table.

In the meantime, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier for women will be held in Suva, Fiji, from September 9–15. In the Global Qualifier for England 2026, eight teams, including the hosts Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Japan, Samoa, the Cook Islands, and the Philippines, will compete for a single spot. Both tournaments promise fierce competition and gripping tales on the path to cricket's biggest stages, with a lot on the line and nations eager for a breakthrough.