India versus Pakistan match during Asia Cup 2018  |  Photo Credit: AP
The International Cricket Council on Tuesday confirmed that teams that will earn a direct qualification in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 slated to be held in Australia two summers hence will be on the basis of their ICC T20I rankings as on December 31, 2018. As per the criteria, the top eight teams on the rankings chart earn a direct qualification while eight other teams will go through ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier in 2019 to qualify for the Super 12s. The criteria imply direct qualification for India and Pakistan.
Out of the top-10 ranked T20I side, table topper Pakistan along with India, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, the Windies and even Afghanistan earn direct qualification to the Super 12s. On the other hand, 2014 champions and three-times runners-up, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh miss out on the qualification and will hence face other six qualifiers in the group stage between 18 October to 15 November 2020 at the UAE.
“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. 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. We have some fine players in the ranks and it is only a matter of doing our best when the time comes. We look forward to challenges coming our way as we prepare for the big event,” said Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga.
Ireland and Zimbabwe, four Associates along with others form the 14-team T20 Global Qualifier which is expected to take place in the fag-end of this year and top six will then join Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the opening round of World T20 in Australia.
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