Eight teams have wrapped up automatic qualification for the 2028 men’s T20 World Cup after finishing in the top four of their respective Super-Eight groups this week. Group 1 supplied Australia, India, South Africa and Bangladesh, while Group 2 put England, West Indies, New Zealand and Sri Lanka through.
Hosts Pakistan join them regardless of results – they ended their own campaign fifth in Group 2 after managing a single win from five. Scotland, beaten by Sri Lanka on Friday, slip out of the automatic spots and must now look to the qualifying route.
“The system rewards consistent performances across the tournament,” an ICC spokesperson noted. “Finishing in the top four of the group stage gives teams certainty four years down the line.”
How the final field will be completed
• Spot 10 – highest-ranked side in the T20I standings on 6 July 2026. At present that would be Ireland, ninth on the list.
• Spots 11 & 12 – decided by a 10-team global qualifier fed by five regional events next year.
Netherlands (ranked 14th) are almost certain to feature in that global qualifier. Scotland (11th) and Ireland could yet be dragged in if their rankings dip over the next two seasons.
Women’s Champions Trophy line-up taking shape
The ICC also confirmed the make-up of the first Women’s Champions Trophy, set for Sri Lanka next year. The hosts will be joined by the top five sides in the women’s T20I rankings on the same 6 July cut-off. If the table stays as it is, Australia, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa will complete the six-team tournament.
“It’s another step in providing regular, high-quality cricket for the women’s game,” said Clare Connor, chair of the ICC women’s cricket committee. “A short, sharp Champions Trophy should add real context to bilateral T20I series in the lead-up.”
Key rankings as of today
Men: 9 Ireland, 11 Scotland, 14 Netherlands
Women: top five unchanged since March
Plenty, then, still to play for on both ladders – especially for sides hovering on the edge of automatic security.
