12 Cricket Teams Qualify for 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

12 teams have directly qualified for the 2028 T20 World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand. This is a big step in planning the tournament.
By Newsroom | Sports, Cricket |

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the first 12 teams that will directly qualify for the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup. These selections were determined by the outcomes of the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup and the current ICC T20I Team Rankings. This announcement provides clarity for a significant portion of the 20-team tournament field, with the remaining slots to be filled through regional qualification processes.

How Teams Secured Their Spots

The qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup was based on several factors, primarily rewarding performance in the preceding T20 World Cup and consistent standing in international rankings.

ICC confirms 12 teams for T20 World Cup 2028 after direct qualification announcement; check - 1

  • Co-Hosts: Australia and New Zealand automatically qualified as co-hosts of the 2028 tournament.

  • Super Eight Qualifiers (from T20 World Cup 2026): The teams that reached the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup secured direct entry. These teams include:

  • India

  • Pakistan

  • England

  • South Africa

  • West Indies

  • Sri Lanka

  • Zimbabwe

  • New Zealand (also qualified as co-host)

  • ICC T20I Rankings: Three additional teams qualified based on their positions in the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings, with no further international matches scheduled that could alter these standings before the qualification deadline. These teams are:

  • Bangladesh

  • Afghanistan

  • Ireland

These three categories together account for the 12 directly qualified teams for the 2028 T20 World Cup.

Filling the Remaining Eight Slots

With 12 teams confirmed, the focus now shifts to the remaining eight places in the 20-team tournament. These spots will be determined through a series of regional qualification events. The ICC has outlined a pathway where allocations are based on the competitive strength of different regions:

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ICC confirms 12 teams for T20 World Cup 2028 after direct qualification announcement; check - 2

  • Africa: Two teams

  • Europe: Two teams

  • Asia and East Asia-Pacific: A combined allocation of three teams

  • Americas: One team

Details regarding the specific format and schedule for these regional qualifiers are expected to be released by the ICC. For instance, the Europe qualification pathway involves three sub-regional competitions scheduled for 2026.

Discussions on Tournament Expansion

While the qualification for the 2028 event has been set for a 20-team format, there are ongoing discussions about potentially expanding the T20 World Cup to 32 teams in 2028. Such an expansion would make it the largest T20 World Cup in history and require substantial logistical planning from the ICC, including venue arrangements and accommodation. This potential expansion could also allow for the inclusion of Affiliate Nations, furthering the global reach of cricket.

ICC confirms 12 teams for T20 World Cup 2028 after direct qualification announcement; check - 3

Expert Analysis

The ICC's performance-based qualification system is designed to "reward consistency and competitiveness," ensuring that teams performing well on the international stage earn direct entry into the World Cup. This approach provides an incentive for teams to maintain high standards throughout the T20 format. The regional qualification structure aims to foster the growth of cricket in emerging nations by offering them a clear pathway to participate in major tournaments.

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Conclusion and Next Steps

The confirmation of 12 directly qualified teams for the 2028 T20 World Cup marks a significant milestone in the tournament's planning. The co-hosts, Super Eight participants from the 2026 event, and top-ranked teams form the initial core lineup. The next phase involves the detailed organization and execution of regional qualification tournaments to determine the remaining eight participating nations. The ICC's consideration of a 32-team format in 2028 signals an ambition for greater global inclusivity in cricket's premier T20 event, though this remains subject to further evaluation and approval.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which teams automatically qualified for the 2028 T20 World Cup as hosts?
Australia and New Zealand will host the 2028 T20 World Cup, so they have automatically qualified to play in the tournament.
Q: How did other teams get into the 2028 T20 World Cup directly?
Teams that reached the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup, and the top-ranked teams in the ICC T20I rankings, also qualified directly.
Q: Which 12 teams have qualified directly for the 2028 T20 World Cup?
The 12 directly qualified teams are Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, England, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland.
Q: How will the remaining teams get into the 2028 T20 World Cup?
The remaining eight spots in the 20-team tournament will be decided through regional qualification games held in Africa, Europe, Asia, East Asia-Pacific, and the Americas.
Q: Will the 2028 T20 World Cup have more teams playing?
The ICC is thinking about letting 32 teams play in the 2028 T20 World Cup, which would be the biggest one ever. This could let more countries join in.