The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup begins on Saturday, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with India entering as defending champions. Twenty teams have been divided into four pools of five, setting the stage for a highly competitive tournament.
Pool A features India, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan, and the USA. Pool B includes Australia, Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. Pool C brings together England, Italy, Nepal, Scotland, and the West Indies. Pool D, of particular interest to South Africans, comprises South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates.
The format ensures a diverse mix of established cricketing nations and emerging teams, reflecting the ICCs push to expand the global reach of the sport. For South Africa, Pool D presents a challenging path, with New Zealand and Afghanistan both strong contenders, while Canada and the UAE add fresh dynamics to the group.
With matches spread across iconic venues in India and Sri Lanka, the tournament promises high-intensity cricket and global attention, as fans await to see whether India can defend their crown or if a new champion will emerge.
