The ICC Unveils the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualification Plan for 2026
In a significant development for European cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a thrilling three-year journey towards the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Starting in 2026, 30 European nations will embark on a qualifying process, with three regional events set to take place in Cyprus, Denmark, and Finland.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the sport, as it provides a platform for emerging and established cricket-playing nations to showcase their talent and compete for a spot in the prestigious T20 World Cup. The pathway tournaments will not only offer a chance to win but also serve as a stepping stone for nations to grow their cricket culture and engage new audiences.
Each host nation brings something unique to the table. Cyprus, for instance, will host its first ICC T20 World Cup pathway event since 2009, offering a chance to reconnect with the sport's history. Denmark, on the other hand, will host its inaugural ICC senior event, building on the success of their U19 Europe Qualifier in 2024. Finland, with its second Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier, continues to solidify its commitment to cricket development.
The qualification structure is designed to be competitive and inclusive. Europe's 30 teams will be divided into three events, with the top performers advancing to the next phase. However, it's worth noting that England, Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands will join the pathway later due to their participation in the 2027 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Commenting on this exciting development, Andy Wright, ICC's Regional Development Manager for Europe, expressed his enthusiasm: "The 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup pathway will be a testament to the incredible growth and development of cricket across Europe. We are thrilled to partner with Cyprus, Denmark, and Finland, nations that have shown a strong commitment to the sport. These events will not only provide high-quality cricket but also valuable international experience for our players."
The 2026 events are as follows:
- Qualifier A: Cyprus (May 16-23, 2026) - Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Guernsey, Jersey, Malta, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland
- Qualifier B: Denmark (July 8-15, 2026) - Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Gibraltar, Hungary, Norway, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Türkiye
- Qualifier C: Finland (August 14-21, 2026) - Bulgaria, Czechia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Isle of Man, Israel, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain
As the tournament progresses, more details about fixtures, venues, and match start times will be revealed, building anticipation for what promises to be an exciting journey towards the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
