It may be Ashes season but the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup is just around the corner as Harry Brook prepares to lead England’s white-ball team at a major tournament for the first time.
Eight venues in India and Sri Lanka will be used for the event between February 7 and March 8, as India looked to become the first country to defend its crown in the shortest format of the international game.
Following the same structure, 20 teams will participate in the tournament in 2024 in four groups of five, with the top two teams from each advancing to the Super 8 stage where they will be divided into two groups of four.
The final will be held in Ahmedabad unless Pakistan qualifies. In that case, the final will be played in Colombo due to ongoing political tensions.
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England have surrendered tournament debutants Italy
England have been drawn in Group C alongside the West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal and newcomers Italy, who defeated Jersey and Scotland in Europe’s regional final to reach a first global ICC event.
The Azurri, who are currently 28th in the T20 rankings, will take on England in Kolkata on February 16 and feature a number of recognizable names, including Derbyshire captain Wayne Madsen and Kent all-rounder Grant Stewart, as well as former Australia Test opener Joe Burns and batsman Emilio Gay, who is currently on duty with the England Lions.
England have failed to beat European opponents in five previous World T20 encounters, losing twice to the Netherlands in 2009 and 2014, as well as to Ireland at the MCG during their triumphant 2022 campaign.
Their opening match against Nepal on February 8 is also a first meeting, before they face two-time champions West Indies – both at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai – and a potentially tricky encounter with Bangladesh in Calcutta.
(Brian Lawless/PA)
India and Pakistan are renewing their rivalry alongside the United States
In a remarkable turn of events, India and Pakistan are being regrouped as they continue to play only each other in global events, with their much-awaited clash taking place on February 15 on neutral ground in Colombo.
Pakistan opens the tournament against the Netherlands, with Group A also featuring Namibia and the United States, who famously shocked Pakistan in a Super Over in the last tournament on their way to the Super 8 stages.
Group of Death awaits tournament candidates
Group D features some intriguing matches as New Zealand and South Africa once again look for elusive white-ball glory, but must first get past a dangerous Afghanistan team, as well as Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
South Africa and Afghanistan met in the semi-finals of the 2024 edition, while New Zealand defeated South Africa in the last four at the Champions Trophy in Lahore earlier this year.
Defending champion India has been placed in a group with Pakistan, the United States, the Netherlands and Namibia.
Ireland will face off against co-hosts and Australia
The 2021 champions Australia are in Group B, which also includes co-hosts Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.
Ireland had a disappointing 2024 campaign after advancing to the Super 12 stages in 2022 and have never beaten Australia or Sri Lanka in any form of cricket, while Zimbabwe recently defeated Sri Lanka in their ongoing Tri-Series with Pakistan.
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