Harry Brook named captain as ECB announces England’s provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026

On December 30, 2025, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced England’s provisional squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Harry Brook has been named the England captain for the ICC event that will be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.  

The England team's departure for their hectic subcontinent duties is scheduled for January 18, 2026, according to the ECB. Notably, starting on February 7, England will play white-ball matches in Sri Lanka prior to the main tournament.

For the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has made some striking choices, with a few returns and some significant omissions creating headlines. Two notable absences from the selection are all-rounder Liam Livingstone and batsman Jamie Smith.

Liam Livingstone and Jamie Smith omitted; Will Jacks included

Will Jacks has returned to the team after missing the white-ball tour of New Zealand because of a broken finger. Jack's comeback offers England yet another potent all-around choice. Jamie Smith's poor form has prevented him from being included in the T20 World Cup team. 

With Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Ben Duckett as England's top-order possibilities, Smith is left out as selectors choose experience.

Sam Curran, a seasoned all-rounder, was selected. England made wise decisions by bolstering their spin department with Liam Dawson and Rehan Ahmed in addition to Adil Rashid and Jacks because the event will take place in India and Sri Lanka.

Despite being included in the tentative T20 World Cup roster, Jofra Archer, who was injured during the Ashes 2025–26, will not be visiting Sri Lanka. Brydon Carse will replace him for the Sri Lanka series before heading back home for the team's 2026 ICC T20 World Cup campaign. The ECB hasn't disclosed the reason for Livingstone's rejection, though.

The ECB stated, “Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer is included in the provisional T20 World Cup squad but will miss the tour of Sri Lanka as he continues his rehabilitation with the England medical team following the left side strain sustained during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide earlier this month.”

https://x.com/englandcricket/status/2005901676759110045?s=20

England Squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026:

Harry Brook (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton (WK), Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt (WK), Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.

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