Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE go into their final group game against Sri Lanka today buoyed by their automatic qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028.
This follows the Chevrons’ progress to the Super Eight stage of the ongoing tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
The ICC confirmed yesterday that all teams advancing to the Super Eight phase of the 2026 edition have automatically qualified for the next T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2028.
Zimbabwe progressed to the Super Eight from Group B, alongside Sri Lanka, marking another significant milestone in the team’s resurgence on the global stage.
It also underlined their growing consistency in the shortest format of the game.
ZC managing director Givemore Makoni hailed the achievement as both a reward for sustained investment and a clear signal of progress.
“This automatic qualification is a significant achievement for Zimbabwe Cricket and a clear reflection of the steady progress our national team has been making in the T20 format,” he said.
“And this is not accidental – it is the result of a deliberate and disciplined process.
“We made a conscious commitment to fully honour the ICC Future Tours Programme, including scheduling as many as 10 Test matches in a year as part of rebuilding our team the right way.
“That sustained investment in meaningful international cricket has strengthened our structures, sharpened our competitiveness and culminated in World Cup qualification and performances that show Zimbabwe can compete with the best.”
Makoni said reaching the Super Eight represented more than just tournament progression.
“Reaching the Super Eight at a global tournament is not only a proud moment for the players and technical team, but also for every Zimbabwean cricket supporter who has stood by the team during our rebuilding journey,” he said.
Makoni added that automatic qualification provides valuable certainty for strategic planning and performance preparation ahead of 2028.
“Automatic qualification gives us stability and certainty in our long-term planning,” he said.
“It allows us to prepare thoroughly for Australia and New Zealand in 2028, knowing that we are already part of the global showpiece.”
The other teams which have secured automatic qualification for the 2028 tournament are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, England, South Africa and New Zealand.
Co-hosts Australia and New Zealand were granted automatic qualification, with New Zealand further confirming their place through their Super Eight finish.
The final 12 automatic qualifiers will include the next three highest-ranked teams in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings as of 9 March, the day after the scheduled final of the 2026 competition.
Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Ireland are expected to secure those remaining places, while the remaining eight spots in the 20-team tournament will be determined through regional qualification pathways.
Makoni said Zimbabwe are determined to build on the momentum generated by their recent performances.
“This qualification reinforces Zimbabwe’s place among the world’s competitive cricketing nations,” he said.
“We are determined to build on this momentum, remain competitive against the best teams in the world and continue inspiring the next generation of cricketers in Zimbabwe.” – Zimcricket
Mathew Masinge