Pakistan’s cricket team faced a major setback in their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, which ended almost as quickly as it began. They suffered a heartbreaking loss to co-hosts USA in a Super Over and were narrowly defeated by India by six runs, leaving them in a difficult position in a highly competitive tournament format where errors were unforgiving. Their progression to the Super Eight stage depended on favorable outcomes from other matches, but their hopes were dashed when the USA versus Ireland match in Florida on Friday was washed out. As a result, Pakistan, who were finalists in 2022, were knocked out of the tournament.
– Failed to qualify for Semi Finals in 2023 World Cup.
– Failed to qualify for Super8 in 2024 T20 World Cup.
BABAR AZAM LED PAKISTAN ARE HEADING HOME NOW…!!!! pic.twitter.com/iL9zpstbJ5
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 14, 2024
This marks one of the lowest points in modern Pakistan cricket history, particularly because the T20 format has been the primary focus of their attention and resources.
Some may argue that the Pakistan Cricket Board should have anticipated this outcome, especially after making multiple structural changes in Pakistan’s system, including team leadership, board management, captains, and domestic structure. However, this disappointing result will be hard to accept for fans.
Now, Pakistan’s focus shifts to the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Got it. As it stands, the teams that have qualified so far for the 2026 T20 World Cup include Australia, South Africa, India, West Indies, Afghanistan, and USA. Additionally, Sri Lanka qualifies as co-hosts. This makes a total of nine spots secured.
According to the rules, a total of 12 teams will gain automatic entry into the 2026 tournament: the Super Eight teams, co-hosts, and the top-ranked teams outside of these groups. The remaining top three ranked teams after the final on June 29 will fill the remaining spots for the 2026 edition.
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Pakistan appears to be in a relatively safe position to qualify automatically for the 2026 T20 World Cup. They are currently ranked seventh in the ICC rankings, just below New Zealand. Typically, the top three ranked teams outside of the Super Eight and co-hosts qualify automatically for the next tournament. Given their current ranking, Pakistan should secure one of these spots.
The only potential risk to Pakistan’s automatic qualification would be if England do not qualify for the Super Eight stage, Bangladesh improves their ranking significantly, and Pakistan’s ranking drops further due to a loss to Ireland in their final group game. However, this scenario is highly unlikely.
If Pakistan defeats Ireland as expected, their path to the 2026 World Cup will be straightforward. They will join the other Super Eight teams and co-hosts Sri Lanka in automatically qualifying for the tournament. Therefore, barring any unexpected outcomes, Pakistan’s participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup seems assured.
Also Read: Pakistan Eliminated After Rain Washes Out Ireland Match,USA Advances To Super 8
