Bangladesh seal automatic qualification for 2028 T20 WC

Bangladesh have officially secured their place at the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with their current standing in the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings ensuring automatic qualification for the tournament to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The 12 automatic qualification spots will be finalised based on the rankings as of March 9 - the day following the scheduled final of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Bangladesh, presently ranked ninth in the world, are set to claim one of the final direct berths. Afghanistan (10th) and Ireland (12th) are also in line to secure automatic entry, with no remaining international fixtures capable of altering their positions before the cut-off date.

Bangladesh's confirmation comes after uncertainty earlier in the cycle, particularly following their absence from the ongoing T20 World Cup. That exclusion had raised questions over whether they would need to navigate the regional qualification pathway. However, their consistent ranking has now guaranteed direct entry into the 20-team event.

Eight teams have already confirmed their participation for 2028 by reaching the Super Eight stage of the current edition. Pakistan completed that list with a victory over Namibia, progressing from Group A alongside India. From Group B, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe advanced, while West Indies and England moved through from Group C. South Africa and New Zealand secured qualification from Group D.

As co-hosts, Australia and New Zealand were granted automatic berths for the 2028 tournament, although New Zealand had already qualified by virtue of their Super Eight finish.

The remaining eight places in the expanded 20-team competition will be decided through regional qualifying tournaments, with allocations determined by the relative strength and competitiveness of each region.

For Bangladesh, the confirmation provides clarity and valuable preparation time as they look to re-establish themselves among the game's elite on cricket's global stage.