Cayman to host first-ever International Cricket Council T20 World Cup Qualifier

The Cayman Islands will serve as the host for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-regional Americas Qualifier Group B.

The international cricket tournament is scheduled to take place from 8-15 March at the Jimmy Powell Oval in West Bay and represents a key stage in the qualification pathway for the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup.

Serving as both host and competitor, Cayman will be joined by Argentina, Mexico and Suriname in the Group B lineup.

The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, meaning each team will play its opponents twice for a total of 12 matches over the course of the week.

The Group B winner will earn a spot in the Americas Regional Final where they will compete against Canada and the United States – both of whom received byes following their participation in the previous T20 World Cup – as well as the winner of the Sub-regional Qualifier A.

The Group A qualifier, featuring the Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil and Panama, is set to take place in Bermuda from 19-28 June using a single round-robin format.

‘Beyond hosting matches’

Alessandro Morris, president of Cayman Cricket, highlighted the significance of this qualifier, saying, “This marks the first time Cayman has been awarded an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier of this nature.”

“This opportunity is a clear vote of confidence from the International Cricket Council in the progress Cayman Cricket has been making both on and off the field,” Morris said.

He said Cayman Cricket’s objective “goes beyond simply hosting matches”, adding, “We are deliberately positioning Cayman to become the premier hub for international cricket in the Americas in the years ahead.”

Describing Cayman as “a total cricketing product”, Morris highlights that the combination of “our high-quality facilities, outstanding cricket talent, beautiful and safe environment, world-class beaches, and the warm, welcoming spirit of our people” is what makes Cayman a “truly unique international sporting destination”.

“If we continue to execute properly, I firmly believe Cayman will take its rightful place in world cricket,” he added.

Morris expressed high expectations for Cayman’s performance, saying, “We enter this tournament as the number one seed in the zone, and with that comes both confidence and responsibility. Our expectation is that the team performs at a very high standard and puts itself in a strong position to advance to the Division One World Cup Qualifiers.”

“The players have been preparing with purpose and discipline, and there is a clear understanding within the camp of what is required. While we respect every opponent in the competition, we believe we have the talent, balance and home support to deliver strong performances.”

With a vision that surpasses “just hosting successfully”, Morris states that the aim is to “set a benchmark for how cricket events are delivered in the Americas”.

“We want teams and officials to leave Cayman knowing they have experienced something special.”

He added, “Most importantly, events like this inspire our youth, energise our cricket community, and reinforce our long-term vision. Cayman Cricket is building with purpose, and we are excited about the journey ahead.”

Group B match schedule