Bangladesh to play directly in the 2028 T20 World Cup based on rankings

They bypass qualifiers for the tournament set to be held in Australia and New Zealand

Bangladesh, absent from this year’s T20 World Cup, is going to qualify directly for the next edition in 2028, based on rankings.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Wednesday that the eight teams reaching the Super Eight stage of the current tournament have secured direct spots for the next World Cup.

Under tournament rules, these eight teams, along with the hosts and two highest-ranked teams, will gain automatic entry to the 2028 event in Australia and New Zealand.

This year’s Super Eight teams -- India, England, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, West Indies, and Zimbabwe -- have already claimed their tickets.

Hosts Australia, despite exiting this edition in the group stage, qualifies automatically as well.

Based on rankings, the remaining direct slots go to Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland.

The ranking cut-off is set for Mar 9, the day of the final, with no international matches before then that could affect these teams’ positions.

The remaining eight spots in the 20-team tournament will be decided through regional qualifiers.

Bangladesh forfeited participation this year over security concerns in India, allowing Scotland to take their place.