Key Points
- UAE joins Nepal and Oman as Asia-EAP representatives for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
- The 2026 edition will feature 20 teams split into four groups, with the top two from each advancing to the Super 8 stage.
ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) booked its place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, securing a decisive eight-wicket win over Japan in the Asia-East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier on Friday. The victory confirmed the final lineup for next year’s global cricket spectacle.
Pacer Haider Ali delivered a game-changing performance, claiming 3 for 20 to restrict Japan to a modest 117. In response, UAE’s top order made light work of the chase, Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu combined for a fluent 70-run opening stand that ensured a comfortable finish with several overs to spare.
With this triumph, UAE joined Nepal and Oman as the three teams representing the Asia-EAP region in the 2026 edition, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups of five. The top two from each group will progress to the Super 8 stage, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale. The tournament promises to showcase an exciting mix of established powerhouses and rising cricket nations, with UAE now firmly among them.
Qualified Teams for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Hosts: India, Sri Lanka
Top Teams from 2024 Super Eight: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, USA
Through ICC Rankings: Pakistan, New Zealand, Ireland
From Regional Finals:
Americas: Canada
Europe: Netherlands, Italy
Africa: Namibia, Zimbabwe
Asia–EAP: Nepal, Oman, UAE
