Following confirmation of Super 8 spots for T20WC 2026, first 12 spots for next edition confirmed
New Delhi, February 18
The first 12 spots for the 2028 T20 World Cup have been confirmed following the confirmation of all the teams qualifying for the Super Eight stage in the ongoing T20 World Cup edition being held in India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan became the eighth and final team to seal their Super Eight spot following their 102-run win over Namibia at Colombo on Wednesday. The Salman Ali Agha-led side, along with arch-rivals India, reached the next stage from Group A; Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe from Group B; West Indies and England from Group C; and South Africa and New Zealand from Group D, according to the ICC.
All Super Eight-qualifying teams in the current edition are automatically qualified for the next edition.
Also, Australia and New Zealand have already solidified their spots in the next edition as the co-hosts, and the final three automatic qualifying spots will be taken by the next three highest-ranked ICC Men's T20I teams at the cut-off date of March 9 this year, which comes a day after the title clash. Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland are set to take spots, with no international bilateral cricket in progress, which will affect their rankings.
The final eight places in the 20-team field will be decided through a regional qualification pathway, with allocations based on the relative competitive strength of each region.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see the automatic qualification system. It rewards consistency, which is good. A bit surprised Afghanistan and Bangladesh have to rely on rankings and not direct qualification from this World Cup's performance. The pathway for the final 8 spots seems fair though.
Pakistan making it as the final team! The India-Pakistan rivalry in the Super 8s (if they meet) will be epic. The atmosphere in Colombo must have been electric. Good for the tournament's viewership, no doubt.
While it's exciting, I feel the system is a bit too forgiving for the top teams. Automatically qualifying for the next World Cup just by reaching Super 8s? What about giving more emerging teams a chance? The regional qualifiers will be fierce, at least.
Hosting with Sri Lanka has been brilliant so far! The crowds have been amazing. Already looking forward to 2028, though it's years away. Hope the BCCI and SLC keep up the good work with the facilities.
The logistical planning for these global events is immense. Confirming spots so far in advance for 2028 helps boards with scheduling and preparation. Smart move by the ICC, even if it seems early.
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