ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Squad of every nation

India made headlines by excluding Shubman Gill, naming Suryakumar Yadav captain. England's Harry Brook takes over as captain from Jos Buttler, while Sri Lanka reinstates Dasun Shanaka as captain.

India were the first nation to announce the squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Image | ICC

The road to the 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has officially begun. With the tournament set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026 the participating nations have ramped up their preparations. Over the last ten days, several heavyweights have dropped "selection bombs," signaling a massive shift in the global T20 landscape.

From defending champions India making ruthless cuts to England ushering in a new era of leadership, the tournament is already living up to its billing as the most anticipated subcontinental spectacle in years.

India’s "Masterplan": The omission of Shubman Gill

On December 20, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) became the first to announce their final 15-member squad. In a move that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Shubman Gill previously the designated vice-captain, was omitted from the squad entirely.

Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar cited "combinations and recent form" as the primary reasons. In Gill's absence, Suryakumar Yadav remains at the helm, while the versatile Axar Patel has been elevated to vice-captain.

The Comeback Kings: The squad sees the high-profile return of Ishan Kishan who fought his way back after a stellar domestic season. He will compete with Sanju Samson for the opening slot alongside the explosive Abhishek Sharma.

With Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack and Varun Chakaravarthy currently the world’s No. 1 T20 bowler, joining Kuldeep Yadav in the spin department, India looks formidable on paper as they seek to defend their 2024 title.

Read also: 5 biggest sports events to watch out for in 2026

The "Harry Brook Era" begins for England

Just yesterday, December 30, the ECB announced their provisional squad, confirming a monumental leadership change. Harry Brook has been officially named captain, taking over from Jos Buttler. While Buttler remains in the squad as a specialist wicketkeeper-batter, the move signals England’s desire for a fresh tactical approach in Asian conditions.

The squad also marks the long-awaited return of Jofra Archer who is expected to be at peak fitness by February.

England’s Group C campaign starts in Mumbai, and their strategy clearly prioritizes spin-bowling all-rounders like Rehan Ahmed Liam Dawson, and Will Jacks to navigate the turning tracks of Kolkata and Colombo.

Read also: England announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026, Harry Brook named captain

Leadership shake-ups for Sri Lanka and Afghanistan

Co-hosts Sri Lanka triggered their own drama by sacking Charith Asalanka as captain, reinstating veteran Dasun Shanaka to lead their preliminary 25-member group. The selectors emphasized Shanaka's experience and "clutch" ability as the primary reasons for the switch.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan has confirmed that Rashid Khan will lead a side that welcomes back the fearsome Naveen-ul-Haq and the evergreen Gulbadin Naib. After their historic semi-final run in 2024, the Afghans are no longer "dark horses", they are genuine title contenders.

Confirmed Squads

Group A

The blockbuster India vs. Pakistan clash is already locked in for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Group B

Group C

Group D

The deadline for all teams to submit their final 15-member squads to the ICC is January 7, 2026.

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