Number 1 Pakistan directly qualifies for T20 World Cup 2020

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Tuesday the sides that have qualified directly for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 to be held in Australia, based on the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings as on 31 December 2018.

As per the qualification criteria set for the tournament, the number one ranked Pakistan and the other nine top-ranked sides have ensured direct qualification. The top eight make it straight to the Super 12s stage while the remaining two will play in the group stage along with six other teams who will make it through from the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier in 2019. Meanwhile, four teams from the group stage will advance to the Super 12s.

Of the top 10 sides on the rankings table, top-ranked Pakistan, India, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, the Windies and Afghanistan will start their campaign directly in the Super 12s.

“It is a bit disappointing that we have not been able to ensure a direct Super 12s berth but I’m confident that we will do well in the tournament, said Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga, quoted ICC.

“Having played three finals and winning once, it is natural that everyone expected us to finish in the top-eight but we have to take the opportunity in the extra matches of the group stage and prepare well for the knock-out matches.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan said that he “was confident that we will do well in the tournament by going through the group stage.”

The tournament will be held from 18 October to 15 November 2020 in Australia.