Twenty teams will be seen in action in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Off those 20 teams, 10 are the International Cricket Council's Full Members while 10 will be the Associate Members. ICC defines a Full Member as the governing body for cricket of a country recognised by the ICC, or nations associated for cricket purposes, or a geographical area, from which representative teams are qualified to play official Test matches.
ICC has 12 Full Members. Except for Bangladesh, every other Full Member will be playing in the World Cup. Meanwhile, the council defines the Associate Members as the governing body for cricket of a country recognised by the ICC, or countries associated for cricket purposes, or a geographical area, which does not qualify as a Full Member, but where cricket is firmly established and organised.
There are 96 countries which have been classified as Associate Members. Although, the Associate Members do play cricket on a fairly regular basis we hardly get to know about their performances or know the players better. In the build-up to the T20 World Cup, here is a look at the nine Associate Members that will be featuring in the mega event and how they reached this stage.
Bangladesh, although a Full Member, withdrew due to disagreements over match venues and security concerns, and were therefore replaced by Scotland, the highest-ranked non-qualified team (No. 14).
Canada
Canada earned their place after a dominant unbeaten run (6-0) in the ICC Americas Regional Final, finishing above Bermuda, Cayman Islands and the Bahamas. Their complete control of the tournament reflected not only skill but also maturity under pressure, particularly with a balanced attack and dependable batting core.
In the final, Canada comfortably defeated Bermuda by six wickets, securing their second consecutive T20 World Cup appearance after impressing in 2024. Their campaign was defined by the consistency of their all-round group - a promising sign as they enter a tougher global stage.
Key Performers
- Shivam Sharma: Leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets, showcasing accuracy in the middle overs.
- Yuvraj Samra: Scored 216 runs, acting as the backbone of the batting order.
- Leadership Shift: Nicholas Kirton captained them during qualifiers, but for the 2026 World Cup, Dilpreet Bajwa, age 22, will lead a youthful, ambitious squad.
Italy
Italy's qualification for their first-ever cricket World Cup marks a historic moment. Their journey included surviving a nerve-wracking European qualification cycle where they finished level on points with Jersey but advanced due to superior net run rate. They later secured their World Cup berth despite losing the final to the Netherlands.
Their rise reflects deepening cricket culture among Italy's diverse player base, with several professionals bringing county and franchise experience to the squad.
Key Players
- Captaincy: Veteran Wayne Madsen (42) takes over leadership, bringing decades of elite cricket experience.
- Strike Bowler: Harry Manenti led the qualifiers with 8 wickets, standing out with disciplined off-spin in helpful European conditions.
Italy's campaign in 2026 pairs them with heavyweights like England and the West Indies, providing a tough but invaluable debut test.
Netherlands
A seasoned Associate powerhouse, the Netherlands topped the European Regional Qualifier with three wins out of four, continuing their reputation as one of the most consistent Associate teams in global cricket.
Their experience in high-pressure tournaments - including multiple trips beyond group stages in earlier World Cups - remains a big asset. A core of established performers provides stability.
Key Players
- Scott Edwards (Captain): A reliable wicketkeeper-batter who leads again in 2026.
- Max O'Dowd: One of Europe's most prolific T20 batters; scored 204 runs in qualifiers.
Their well- structured squad and recent exposure to subcontinental conditions make them one of the strongest Associate contenders.
Scotland (Replacement for Bangladesh)
Scotland, who initially missed direct qualification, were later invited by the ICC to replace Bangladesh following the latter's withdrawal over venue and security disputes. Scotland were chosen as the highest-ranked non-qualified team (No. 14), even ranking above several Associate teams already in the tournament.
They enter the 2026 World Cup with solid recent form and considerable big-match experience from past editions.
Key Players
- Captain: Richie Berrington, their most seasoned batter.
- Core Contributors: Bowlers Chris Greaves and Michael Leask, both of whom were among the top wicket-takers in the qualifiers earlier.
The late call-up means quick acclimatisation will be crucial, but Scotland has a history of upsetting big teams.
Namibia
Namibia, now a familiar and dangerous competitor on the global stage, qualified by winning all three group matches before defeating Tanzania in the semifinal of the Africa Qualifier. Their strong structure reflects years of development and improved domestic pathways.
Key Players
- JJ Smit: The standout performer - match-winning 61* and 3/16 in the qualifier semifinal.
- Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton: Claimed 10 wickets; offers sharp leg-spin and lower-order hitting.
Namibia's dependability and continuity (nine players from the previous World Cup return) make them one of the top Associate sides to watch.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, though historically a Full Member, are competing through Associate pathways after recent ICC transitions. They sealed their World Cup spot by topping their group and beating Kenya in the semifinal at the Africa Qualifier.
Key Players
- Brian Bennett: Leading run-scorer in the qualifiers; emerging as a powerful top-order presence.
- Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava: Each took 10 wickets - their pace attack remains Zimbabwe's greatest strength.
Zimbabwe's experience and talent depth give them potential to push for a Super Eight place.
Nepal
Nepal topped the Super Six stage of the Asia-EAP Regional Qualifier, continuing their upward spiral in world cricket. Their campaign featured narrow wins, including a one-run victory over UAE and another tense finish against Qatar - highlighting strong temperament.
Key Players
- Sandeep Lamichhane: The talismanic leg-spinner collected 12 wickets and continues to be Nepal's biggest match-winner.
- Kushal Bhurtel: Led with consistent top-order contributions.
Nepal's flair, fan support, and ability to thrive in pressure moments make them a crowd favorite.
Oman
Oman finished second in the Asia-EAP Super Six, demonstrating both discipline and tactical maturity. Their steady rise in Associate cricket continues, with a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging bowlers.
Key Players
- Nadeem Khan: A vital part of their journey with 11 wickets.
- Jatinder Singh (Captain): Oman's all-time leading T20I run-scorer; anchors their batting with calmness and experience.
Oman's structured approach and ability to adapt to slow Asian pitches could give them competitive edges.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
UAE claimed the third Asia-EAP slot after a strong finish in the Super Six stage. Their qualification was highlighted by their crucial victory over Japan, which helped them secure the final spot.
Key Players
- Muhammad Arfan: Leading bowler with 6 wickets.
- Alishan Sharafu: Their standout batter in qualifiers, steady and composed at the top.
UAE's youthful squad and well-developed cricketing infrastructure give them potential to surprise stronger sides.
United States America (USA)
The USA became the first Associate team to qualify for 2026 thanks to their impressive run to the Super Eight stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup, which included a historic upset over Pakistan. Their automatic entry reflects progress in American cricket and investment in development.
Key Players
- Captain: Monank Patel, who also led them in 2024.
USA's blend of naturalised talent, homegrown players, and increasing domestic competition makes them a potential dark horse in Group A.
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