Windies face tough path following 2026 T20 World Cup draw

TWO-TIME WORLD Champions West Indies have been handed a challenging assignment for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, this after landing in a high-stakes Group C alongside fellow two-time winners England and a formidable Bangladesh side.

The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026 will see the Men in Maroon also face Nepal and tournament debutants Italy in the initial phase.

The groups, which were officially unveiled yesterday, see the Windies’ campaign bowl off with a heavyweight clash against Bangladesh at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on February 7.

They then travel to Mumbai for a blockbuster encounter with England at the Wankhede Stadium on February 11. Staying in Mumbai, the Caribbean side will take on Nepal on February 15 before concluding the group stage against Italy back in Kolkata on February 19.

The tournament will feature 20 teams, with the top two from each of the four groups advancing to the Super Eights phase, beginning on February 21.

Group A is headlined by reigning champions India, who will reignite their fierce rivalry with Pakistan. The United States, Namibia, and the Netherlands complete the group.

Group B features co-hosts Sri Lanka and a powerful Australian team, with Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe rounding out the pool.

Group D appears equally daunting, with 2024 runners-up South Africa, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Canada, and the UAE all vying for a Super Eights spot.

The draw presents a critical test for coach Daren Sammy’s team. While the West Indies were flawless in the group stage of the 2024 edition, they faltered in the Super Eights, managing only a single victory.

The recent form of the team has been inconsistent. They are currently on a difficult away tour of New Zealand, having lost both the T20 and ODI series.

However, before that, they secured a commanding 3-0 T20 series win in Bangladesh, a result that will provide valuable insight for their crucial World Cup opener against the same opponents.

The coaching staff will also be wary of Nepal, who secured a 3-0 T20 series victory over an experimental West Indies side as recently as September.

Before the World Cup begins, the Windies will fine-tune their preparations with a three-match T20 series at home against Afghanistan in January, as they aim to capture a third T20 world title.