The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is set to captivate cricket fans once again, as remarkable talents from various nations prepare to showcase their skills on the global stage. With games taking place in India and Sri Lanka, the tournament promises thrilling encounters and historical feats, adding to the rich legacy of T20 cricket. In an era where the format has evolved into an electrifying spectacle, the spotlight will shine on five extraordinary players aiming to lead their teams to victory.
The ICC T20 World Cup has been a showcase of the big-time – and biggest-hitting – stars of cricket since its inception in 2007. This year’s tournament, hosted in India and Sri Lanka, continues the tradition, highlighting the evolution of the shortest format of the game that has consistently broken records and defied expectations. As teams prepare to battle, the anticipation around the players aiming for glory on March 8, 2026, is palpable.
Al Jazeera Sport examines five standout names who are poised to make history in the upcoming tournament.
Abhishek Sharma – India
Since joining the Delhi Daredevils at just 17, Abhishek Sharma has rapidly gained recognition as one of the most formidable T20 batsmen globally. Now at 25, this left-handed opener boasts a striking average of nearly 200 in his 38 T20 international matches. Notably, Sharma has delivered two centuries and eight fifties for India, signaling a bright future for this Punjab-born talent, even before venturing into longer formats.
Sikandar Raza – Zimbabwe
At 39, Sikandar Raza is a respected elder statesman of the tournament, garnering accolades not only in Zimbabwe but also in Pakistan. After moving with his family from Punjab to Africa, he debuted for Zimbabwe in 2013. With 152 appearances across formats, he shines in T20, having earned a reputation as a standout player for several T20 franchises around the world.
Abrar Ahmed – Pakistan
Wrist spinners often serve as critical components of successful T20 teams, and Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed embodies this role. The 27-year-old leg-spinner made his Test debut in 2022 and debuted in white-ball formats in 2024. Accumulating 116 wickets for Pakistan with 46 in T20 internationals, Abrar hopes to overcome past injury challenges and showcase his abilities on the world stage.
Harry Brook – England
One of England’s most exhilarating talents, Harry Brook, is set to leave his mark on the T20 World Cup. At 26, he already boasts 134 caps, including 13 centuries, and was part of the squad that clinched the T20 World Cup title in 2022. His record-setting performance—in which he became the first Englishman to hit a triple century in Test cricket—demonstrates his explosive potential in the shortest format.
Glenn Maxwell – Australia
Known as “The Big Show,” Glenn Maxwell has been a mainstay in white-ball cricket. Despite injuries hampering him, he propelled Australia into the semifinals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup with an impressive double century. Now at 37, Maxwell has accumulated 281 international appearances and remains one of the sport’s most notable game changers, proving that experience can still be a critical weapon in the T20 arena.
As the world turns its attention to the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, the passion and skill displayed by these players will contribute significantly to the event’s prestige, further enriching the global cricket narrative.
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