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Europe’s cricket underdogs get their shot at glory at 2028 T20 World Cup
DUBAI: Cricket’s European hopefuls have been handed their roadmap to the big time. The International Cricket Council has unveiled the qualification pathway for the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup, with 30 nations set to slug it out across three sun-kissed—and occasionally drizzly—corners of the continent next year.
Cyprus will host its first ICC T20 World Cup pathway event, and its first ICC gathering of any kind since 2009. Denmark gets to play host for the first time at senior level, having impressed with an under-19 qualifier last year. And Finland? The Finns are back for more, building on the momentum of hosting two ICC events in 2022.
The format is straightforward: divide and conquer. Europe’s competing teams will be split across three tournaments in May, July and August 2026, with the cream rising to the top and progressing to the next stage of qualification. The ultimate prize? A spot at cricket’s most frenetic global jamboree in 2028.
England, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands will sit this round out, having already earned their stripes by qualifying for next year’s T20 World Cup. For everyone else, it’s game on.
ICC’s regional development manager for Europe Andy Wright couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. “The pathway will showcase the tremendous depth and development of cricket across Europe,” he said. Translation: the minnows are coming, and they’re hungry.
The draw pairs Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Guernsey, Jersey, Malta, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland in Cyprus. Denmark’s qualifier features Belgium, Estonia, Gibraltar, Hungary, Norway, Romania, Scotland, Serbia and Türkiye. Finland rounds out the action with Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Greece, the Isle of Man, Israel, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain.
Fixtures, venues and start times will be confirmed after next March’s World Cup wraps up. Until then, Europe’s cricket hopefuls can dream big. After all, every giant-killing begins with a single qualifier.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
