Pakistan Secures Direct Entry for 2026 T20 World Cup Despite Early Exit

Pakistan's qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup has been confirmed despite their disappointing performance in the ongoing edition. Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar's suggestion that Pakistan might have to play qualifiers proved incorrect.

According to ICC rules, 12 teams automatically qualify for the 2026 tournament. Co-hosts India and Sri Lanka received direct entry, while the top eight teams from the Super 8 stage of the current edition also secured their berths. These teams include India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh.

The remaining three automatic slots were allocated based on the ICC Men's T20I rankings as of June 30, 2024. As a result, New Zealand, Ireland, and Pakistan qualified.

Pakistan's qualification is a relief after their early exit from the ongoing tournament. They were stunned by USA in the group stage and failed to beat India, which would have guaranteed their progression.

The Super 8 stage of the current edition begins on June 19, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The groups are as follows:

* Group 1: India, Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh

* Group 2: England, USA, West Indies, South Africa

The remaining eight slots for the 2026 T20 World Cup will be determined through regional qualifiers.

Tags: #T20WorldCup, #PakistanCricket, #ShoaibAkhtar, #ICC, #CricketQualifiers