India and Pakistan are pooled in the same group for the ICC T20 World Cup, set to be staged in Oman and the UAE from 17 October to 14 November. Group 2 will also feature New Zealand, Afghanistan, and two teams from the qualifiers. Group 1 have the reigning champion West Indies, Australia, South Africa and England clubbed together, along with two others.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have failed to earn direct entry into Super 12s. They will now have to surpass the hurdles of the qualifying round, where eight teams are pooled across two groups.
Sri Lanka will have to face Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia in the Group 1 of the qualifiers, while Bangladesh are pitted against Oman, Scotland and Papua New Guinea.
The top two teams from each group will walk into Super 12s. All matches of the qualifying round will be played at Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Muscat. Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi will host the remainder of the tournament.
West Indies won the championship the last time it was played five years ago. This is also going to be the first ICC trophy since the world went into a lockdown last year.
Qualifying Groups
Group A – Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands, Namibia
Group B – Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, Oman
Super 12s Groups
Group 1 – South Africa, West Indies, England, Australia, Winner Group A, Runner-up Group B
Group 2 – India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Runner-up Group A, Winner Group B