Pakistan, NZ, Ireland get berths in T20 World Cup 2026

By Our Correspondent
July 03, 2024
New Zealand (left) and Pakistan (right) team players seen in this collage.— NZ Cricket/PCB/file
New Zealand (left) and Pakistan (right) team players seen in this collage.— NZ Cricket/PCB/file 

LAHORE: Pakistan, New Zealand, and Ireland have secured automatic qualification for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

India and Sri Lanka received automatic entry as co-hosts. Teams that reached the Super Eight stage in the 2024 T20 World Cup – Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies, USA, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan – secured their spots for 2026.

New Zealand (ranked 6th), Pakistan (ranked 7th), and Ireland (ranked 11th) secured the remaining automatic slots based on their ICC T20I Team Rankings as of June 30, 2024. These spots were awarded to the highest-ranked teams outside of those already qualified through hosting duties or Super Eight advancement. The 2026 T20 World Cup will feature a total of 20 teams.