Excitement is building in Harare as eight African nations gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier. Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, and Malawi join Uganda, Nigeria, Namibia, and host Zimbabwe for the tournament, which kicks off on September 26 and runs through October 4 at two bustling venues in the Zimbabwean capital.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: The top two teams from this eight-team showdown will punch their tickets to the main ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to light up stadiums in India and Sri Lanka. Teams split into two groups for round-robin play, facing off against their group rivals once each. From there, the semi-finals will decide the finalists and secure those coveted global spots.
Group A brings together Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, and Nigeria, while Group B features Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Organizers plan a packed schedule with 28 matches, including eight official warm-up games. Action unfolds at Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club, with two matches per venue each day to keep the energy high.
“This tournament marks the last big hurdle on Africa’s road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” said Justine Ligyalingi, ICC Africa’s Acting Regional Development Manager. “Expect top-notch cricket, tons of passion, and fierce competition. But it’s bigger than that—it’s a showcase of cricket’s rise across Africa, plus a chance to highlight Zimbabwe’s warm hospitality, rich culture, and stunning landscapes. We’re counting on Zimbabwe’s strong track record as a host to turn this into a real party of unity and opportunity for the continent.”
The fun starts on September 26 with a double-header morning session: Namibia takes on Kenya at Harare Sports Club, while Nigeria clashes with Malawi at Takashinga Cricket Club. In the afternoon, hosts Zimbabwe launch their campaign against Uganda at Harare Sports Club, and Tanzania squares off with Botswana at Takashinga.
Zimbabwe fans are hungry for redemption after their team missed the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, hosted in the West Indies and USA. Back then, Uganda and Namibia snagged the two Africa spots in the previous qualifiers.
Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. “We’re thrilled to welcome everyone to Harare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier,” he said. “This isn’t just a tournament—it’s Africa’s final push toward the world stage. It shows how cricket builds communities, develops talent, and opens doors for young players across our nations. And in Zimbabwe, we’ll celebrate it the African way, with lively songs, dances, and colors that will make unforgettable memories for players, officials, and fans alike.”
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