ICC T20 World Cup 2028: Host City Selection Begins for Australia and New Zealand

ICC has begun selecting host cities for the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, with venues to be finalised by the end of 2026.

The International Cricket Council has officially begun the process of identifying host cities and venues for the 2028 edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Invitations have been sent out to potential venues across co-host nations Australia and New Zealand as preparations gather pace.

A total of 10 venues are expected to be finalised across both countries, with the official announcement scheduled for the end of 2026. The tournament is set to be played between October and November, continuing the expanded 20-team format.

Qualification Scenario and Tournament Format

As hosts, Australia and New Zealand have secured direct qualification, along with top-performing teams from the 2026 edition, including India, England, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Zimbabwe.

Additionally, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Afghanistan have qualified based on their T20I rankings. The remaining eight spots will be filled through regional qualification tournaments.

The competition will feature 55 matches in total, including 40 group-stage fixtures, 12 Super Eight games, two semi-finals, and the final, ensuring an action-packed schedule.

Iconic Venues and Global Impact Highlighted

Australia, which last hosted the tournament in 2022, is expected to shortlist iconic venues such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sydney Cricket Ground, and the WACA Ground. Meanwhile, New Zealand will be hosting a major men’s ICC event for the first time since co-hosting the 2015 ODI World Cup.

Tournament CEO Joel Morrison emphasised the scale and importance of the event:

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2028 will be the biggest cricket event ever staged in the southern hemisphere. Australia and New Zealand will host the best players and teams in the world, including arguably the hottest property in sport, reigning champions India,” 2028 ICC T20 World Cup CEO, Joel Morrison said.

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“Cricket World Cups are mega events and they deliver significant social, economic and promotional benefits to host cities. Key to maximising these outcomes and executing a world class event is cricket’s commitment to a partnership approach with governments, venues, commercial and broadcast partners and local communities. We look forward to working with prospective partners through this process as we seek to unite and inspire fans globally through a spectacular festival of cricket that extends its benefits far beyond the cricket field,” he added.

Defending champions India head into the tournament with strong momentum, having clinched the 2026 title on home soil with a commanding win over New Zealand in Ahmedabad.