The stage is set for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier 2025, with Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania and Malawi assembling to complete the eight-team line-up for the regional showdown.
They join Uganda, Nigeria and Namibia, who had arrived earlier, while hosts Zimbabwe round out the tournament field.
The Qualifier will run from 26 September to 4 October, with the top two finishers earning a place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Group A features Kenya, Malawi, Namibia and Nigeria, while Group B comprises Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Each team will face their group rivals once, with the semi-finals determining the two finalists who will not only contest for the regional crown but also secure coveted berths at the global showpiece.
A total of 28 matches – including eight official warm-up fixtures – will be played at Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club, with two matches scheduled per venue each matchday.
The tournament proper begins on Friday, 26 September, with Namibia taking on Kenya at Harare Sports Club and Nigeria meeting Malawi at Takashinga in the morning fixtures starting at 09h30.
In the afternoon, hosts Zimbabwe open their campaign against Uganda at Harare Sports Club, while Tanzania clash with Botswana at Takashinga, both fixtures starting at 13h50.
All the games will be streamed live on ICC.TV .
Welcoming the teams, ICC Africa’s Acting Regional Development Manager Justine Ligyalingi said the event was more than just a qualifier.
“This tournament represents the final step on the pathway to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and it promises to deliver high-quality cricket, passion and competitive spirit,” Ligyalingi said.
“This event is more than just a competition – it is a celebration of cricket’s growth in Africa and a unique opportunity to showcase the warmth, culture and beauty of Zimbabwe.
“We trust in Zimbabwe’s proven hosting ability and are confident this event will be a true celebration of cricket, unity and opportunity for our continent.”
Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani echoed those sentiments, underlining the nation’s growing reputation as a trusted host of ICC tournaments.
“On behalf of Zimbabwe Cricket, it is my honour and privilege to welcome all to Harare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier,” Mukuhlani said.
“This event is more than just a tournament – it is the final step in Africa’s pathway to the global stage.
“It reflects the progress of our game across the continent, where cricket is inspiring communities, nurturing talent and creating new opportunities for young players.
“The uniquely African way cricket is celebrated in Zimbabwe – with vibrant song, dance and colour – will once again make the Qualifier memorable for players, officials and supporters alike.”
With all eight nations now in Harare, anticipation is building for a festival of cricket that could redefine the continental game and propel two African teams onto the world stage in 2026.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier squads:
Botswana
Karabo Motlhanka (Captain), Reginald Nehonde, Abednico Motshegetsi, Karabo Modise, Monroux Kasselman, Losika Makgale, Thatayaone Tshose, Tharindu Perera, Katlo Piet, BoemoKhumalo, Alfred Kgosiemang, BothleKeganne, Dhruvkumar Maisuria, Vinoo Balakrishnan, Jack Richards
Kenya
Dhiren Gondaria (Captain), Sukhdeep Singh, Lucas Ndandason, Pushkar Sharma, Rakep Patel, Sachin Gill, Nitish Hirani, Jasraj Kundi, Rushabhvardan Patel, Francis Mutua, Vraj Patel, Peter Langat, Vishil Patel, Sachin Bhudia, Neil Mugabe
Malawi
Moazzam Baig (Captain), Sami Sohail, Bright Balala, Mike Chaomba, Suhail Vayani, Chisomo Chete, Muhammad Somani, Donnex Kansonkho, Gift Kansonkho, Daniel Jakiel, Chisomo Tchale, Trust Makaya, Aaftab Limdawala, Salimu Nihute, Nadim Makkan, Kelvin Thuchila
Namibia
Gerhard Erasmus (Captain), Zane Green, Dylan Leicher, JJ Smit, Louren Steenkamp, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ben Shikongo, Jan Frylinck, Ruben Trumpelmann, Malan Kruger, Alexander Busing-Volschenk, Jack Brassell, Bernard Scholtz, JP Kotzé, JC Balt, Jan-Izak de Villiers
Nigeria
Sylvester Okpe, Peter Aho, Abdulrahman Jimoh, Ridwan Kareem, Solomon Chilemanya, JoshuaAsia, Prosper Useni, Vincent Adewoye, David Ankrah, Isaac Okpe, Sulaimon Runsewe, Isaac Danladi, Selim Salau, Emmanuel Udekwe, Joseph Adedeji
Tanzania
Abhik Patwa, Ajith Kayyalakudy Augastin, Arun Yadav, Ally Kimote, Amal ParayilPuthenpurayil, Dhrumit Mehta, Ivan Selemani, Kassim Chete, Khalidy Juma, Laksh Bakrania, Mohammedi Mbaki, Mukesh Maker, Salum Ally, Sivaraj Selvaraj, Yalinde Nkanya
Uganda
Riazat Ali Shah, Joseph Baguma, Robinson Obuya, Dineshkumar Nakrani, Cyrus Kakuru, Alpesh Ramjani, Miyaji Juma, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Cosmas Kyewuta, Sumeet Verma, Gaurav Tomer, Shrideep Mangela, Raghav Dhawan, Innocent Mwebaze
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza (Captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams
RZRWRE
The only cricketer to play Test cricket for India and England is Saif Ali Khan’s grandfather, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi
Roadspike
Rugby union was only classified as a professional sport in 1995 – When a schism formed and rugby became rugby league and rugby union in 1895, rugby union was no longer considered a professional sport. Shockingly, this remained the case until a century later, when in 1995, it was given the same recognition afforded to rugby league.