The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will reportedly select identical squads for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
T20 World Cup squad announcement rules
While the schedule of the T20 World Cup yet to be announced, the 20-team tournament is likely to take place in February. The ICC tournament rules mandate teams to submit their final 15-member squad a month before the tournament. The selection committee will announce their picks with an option to make changes till a specified cut-off date. The same rule also took place in the last edition of the tournament hosted by the USA and West Indies.
India's plan for T20 World Cup 2026 squad
With only 10 T20Is left before the T20 World Cup, you won't see many changes happening in the squad proper unless someone is ruled out due to any specific injury," a source privy to development told PTI on condition of anonymity.
"One of the biggest reasons being continuity and the 15 chosen for the series against the Black Caps won't be tinkered with because of the short turnaround time."
India's T20I schedule vs New Zealand
The five-match T20I series against New Zealand is scheduled to start from January 21 with the first clash taking place in Nagpur. PTI also reported that the upcoming T20I series against South Africa will be the last chance for Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav to check out a few players before New Zealand rubber, which will be a dress rehearsal for the marquee event.
T20 World Cup tentative venues
The T20 World Cup 2026 will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka next year, where matches featuring Pakistan will take place in Colombo and the venue for the title decider depends on Pakistan's qualifications.If Pakistan manages to qualify, then the final will take place in Colombo; otherwise, iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the finale.