The countdown to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has intensified as the majority of the 20 participating nations have unveiled their provisional squads ahead of the crucial deadline. The global tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is set to witness a fierce battle for the coveted trophy, with team announcements setting the stage for the upcoming cricketing spectacle.
Deadlines and Key Announcements
All competing teams were required to submit their provisional rosters to the International Cricket Council (ICC) by January 7, 2026. However, in a strategic move, the cricket boards retain the right to keep these initial lists confidential and make alterations until the final deadline of January 30. The host nation, India, set the pace by becoming the first team to publicly announce its 15-member squad on December 20, 2025.
Following closely, cricketing powerhouses like South Africa, Afghanistan, and the defending champions England revealed their squads on April 30. The co-hosts, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, are among the latest to join the list of teams that have made their preliminary selections public. However, notable teams including Pakistan, New Zealand, and the West Indies are yet to announce their final squads, keeping fans and analysts in suspense.
A Look at the Confirmed Squads
The announced squads reveal a mix of experienced veterans and exciting new talent. India's squad, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, features a blend of power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube, alongside world-class bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. The omission of Shubman Gill has been a major talking point, with selectors focusing on powerplay impact and team balance.
England's provisional squad sees a new captain in Harry Brook, with the experienced Jos Buttler in the ranks. The return of Jofra Archer bolsters their bowling attack. Australia has named a strong provisional side under Mitchell Marsh, featuring stalwarts like Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa.
Other confirmed squads include:
- Afghanistan: Captained by the iconic Rashid Khan, featuring stars like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Nabi.
- Bangladesh: Litton Das will lead the side, with Shakib Al Hasan's absence being a significant point of discussion.
- South Africa: Aiden Markram captains a squad boasting Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada.
- Sri Lanka (Preliminary): A larger preliminary squad of 25 has been named, with Dasun Shanaka as captain and Wanindu Hasaranga as a key player.
Associate nations like Namibia, Oman, and Nepal have also named their teams, with Namibia's squad led by Gerhard Erasmus.
Tournament Schedule and Venues
The T20 World Cup 2026 group stage is scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026. The opening match will see the Netherlands taking on Pakistan at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Cricket Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The semifinals are slated for March 4 and 5, 2026, to be held at iconic venues like the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the SSC Ground in Colombo, and the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The grand finale will be played at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad or the SSC Ground in Colombo. The final venue is subject to change based on the qualification of Pakistan, as per the report. This edition marks only the second time in the tournament's history that 20 teams will compete, following the 2024 edition in the Americas.
With the squad announcements nearly complete, the focus now shifts to team preparations and the high-octane cricket that awaits fans across India, Sri Lanka, and the world. All eyes will be on the remaining teams to reveal their cards as the tournament draws closer.
