Published on: Feb 4, 2026 6:21 pm IST|Updated on: Feb 4, 2026 6:21 pm IST
We are just 3 days away from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The marquee event is back with its 11th edition, and all 20 teams are ready to roll. The format of this edition remains the same as it was for the 2024 T20 World Cup, i.e., 20 teams divided into 4 groups of 5 teams each. In this post, we will be discussing the preparations of Group C, which features England, West Indies, Nepal, Scotland, and the first-time T20 World Cup-bound Italy. We will be breaking down these 5 teams in this post and knowing what they have in their arsenal for the showcase event.
ICC T20I Ranking: 3 Best Performance: Champions in 2010, 2022
Two-time champions England are among the top favorites to make it to the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The team is heading into this tournament on the back of two bilateral series wins, with the latest one being a 3-0 whitewash over Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. The team has already acclimatized to the conditions in Sri Lanka, and more or less, they will get the same conditions in India as well.
With teams like West Indies, Nepal, Scotland, and Italy in Group C, England is bound to get through to the Super 8 stage. They are scheduled to play all their group stage fixtures in Mumbai and Kolkata, two venues that are bound to have high-scoring games, and a team like England, who go for the kill in batting, will relish playing in these venues. Expect England to be the first team from this group to qualify for the Super 8s and even get into the last 4.
England T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Harry Brook (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton (wk), Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt (wk), Josh Tongue, Luke Wood
ICC T20I Ranking: 7 Best Performance: Champions in 2012, 2016
Along with England, West Indies is the other 2-time ICC T20 World Cup-winning team in Group C. The Shai Hope-led side is the idol of inconsistency, irrespective of the format they play. Over the last 20-25 years, this team has defeated the best there is, but at the same time has succumbed to minnows like Ireland, Scotland, Nepal, and even budding talents like Afghanistan, who have toyed with them in the last 7-8 years or so.
West Indies batters have flair, and they play like there’s no tomorrow. Chasing yet another T20 World Cup, the 2014 and 2016 champions will have a sort of psychological advantage this time around, as they won their last T20 World Cup on Indian soil. Will they be able to repeat the feat again? Well, they have got a strong squad to aid their hands on the title for the third time, but they need to have the right execution.
West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Shai Hope (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd
ICC T20I Ranking: 16 Best Performance: Finished 12th out of 16 in 2014
Nepal enters the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with renewed confidence, having shown glimpses of brilliance in the 2024 edition. Their spirited performance against South Africa nearly produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, as they pushed the Proteas to the brink before narrowly falling short. That match highlighted Nepal’s growing maturity and fighting spirit on the global stage.
Led by emerging stars like Dipendra Singh Airee, Sompal Kaim, Sandeep, and Rohit Paudel, Nepal’s squad combines youthful energy with experienced campaigners who thrive under pressure. Qualification for back-to-back World Cups reflects their steady progress as an associate nation. In 2026, Nepal will aim to build on past lessons, target consistency, and prove they can challenge established cricketing powers.
Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Rohit Paudel (C), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla, Lokesh Bam
ICC T20I Ranking: 27 Best Performance: Maiden World Cup appearance
Italy secured their spot through the European Qualifiers in 2025, where they finished second behind the Netherlands. Despite losing to the Dutch in a crucial match at The Hague, Italy’s earlier victories ensured they accumulated enough points to clinch qualification. A standout moment came when they defeated Scotland, a team with consistent World Cup appearances, effectively knocking them out of contention. This breakthrough was celebrated as a massive boost for European cricket, breaking the dominance of England, Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands in ICC events.
Led by Wayne Madsen and supported by experienced coaching staff, including former Ireland star Kevin O’Brien, Italy’s rise reflects growing investment and belief in cricket’s future within the country. Their qualification is seen as a turning point, offering Italian cricket a golden chance to shine on the world stage. They have kicked off their preparations on the right note with a scintillating win over Canada in the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up game in Chennai. Expect them to have at least one win in their maiden World Cup appearance.
Italy T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Wayne Madsen (C), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.
ICC T20I Ranking: 14 Best Performance: Finished 10th out of 16 in 2014
Scotland head into the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with a unique storyline, having secured their place after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament, citing security concerns over playing in India. This unexpected entry has given Scotland another chance to showcase their abilities on the global stage. The Scots have built a reputation as spirited competitors, capable of springing surprises against higher-ranked teams, with their famous win over West Indies in 2022 still fresh in memory.
Led by experienced campaigners and backed by emerging talents, Scotland will look to make the most of this opportunity. Playing at iconic venues such as Eden Gardens and Wankhede will test their adaptability but also provide a platform to prove they belong among the elite. For Scotland, this World Cup is about resilience, redemption, and making the most of a chance that came their way unexpectedly. They will aim to challenge established sides and script memorable performances.
Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Richie Berrington (C), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal. TRAVELLING RESERVES: Jasper Davidson, Jack Jarvis
Tags: T20 World Cup 2026