Italy’s T20 World Cup Entry Shows a New Era Has Begun

When Italy made history by qualifying for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, it was more than a landmark moment for them. It was yet another indication that the balance of global cricket is changing. Traditionally viewed as outsiders to the sport, Italy’s progress is part of a larger trend of associates breaking through internationally.

During the 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies, we saw the potential of associate nations. The USA’s famous victory in the Super Over against a full ICC member, Pakistan, sent shockwaves through cricketing circles. At the same time, Scotland and the Netherlands pushed the giants of cricket to the brink, with the Netherlands beating Bangladesh and announcing to the world their talent.

These aren’t flukes but the culmination of years of steady growth, ICC support, and a simple desire to show that cricket is not just a game that belongs to its traditional heartlands. With a growing number of pathways to qualification and opportunities to play in a professional environment, associate nations aren’t just minnows; they are rewriting the game.

The ICC is opening the door

Cricket is no longer limited to Full Member nations, which is a good thing. The ICC is taking this task seriously by introducing a plan to promote expansion into non-cricketing nations. They are also restructuring the game globally to build inclusivity and development for associate nations.

One of these changes in restructuring has been the implementation of a 20-team T20 World Cup, which has provided more associate sides with a legitimate chance at a global stage. While introducing performance qualification pathways and funding-linkage for developed nations in associate countries, sports are providing access to emerging nations to profit on merit, not legacy.

With the possibility of cricket returning to the Olympics for Los Angeles 2028, the ICC’s vision is clear in terms of globalizing sports outside its traditional framework. These plans are more than just token gestures; they are fundamentally changing the balance of power in terms of international cricket and allowing associate nations to create their own narrative. It is not only a wider playing field but finally a more level playing field.

Game-changing moments: Associate nations shattering the giants

Associate nations have created some of cricket’s most epic moments in recent history and have genuinely started to carve a niche for themselves. The understanding has always been that when they play teams in the upper echelons of the game, the result will be one-sided. Yet, they clamored their way to proving the crowds wrong.

In the 2024 T20 World Cup, the USA shocked Pakistan with a super over win, and the Netherlands bested Bangladesh after convincing victories against both South Africa and Zimbabwe, while Scotland and Namibia also proved their capabilities under pressure.

These results show that there has been foresight, hunger, and a desire from the players. Associate Nations are not only there to participate but also to play as competitive teams against Full Members. We are witnessing moments of change in the scene of cricket, where ‘minnows’ are transitioning to emerging attractions of their own.

Emerging nations: Dawn of a new era

While several associate nations are currently making a name for themselves, others are on the precipice of breaking through. Nepal has developed a culture for cricket as established as those in Test-playing countries, with record attendance numbers at home.

Uganda’s spirited run at the 2024 T20 World Cup had everyone talking about the potential of this team, which played hard and showed promise. Germany is quietly positioning itself in Europe by utilizing immigrant communities and a growing domestic structure, creating a place for cricket. Canada is back at ICC events with a new generation of innovative cricketers ready to play.

These emerging teams are not just placeholders; they are laying the groundwork for long-term development. There’s sustained investment, structured youth programs, and an opportunity for global exposure. These countries represent the next group of associate challengers, and they come prepared and ready to take their seats. The future of cricket is not only in established stadiums but also in the dynamism and aspirations of countries where cricket is still taking root.

T20 Leagues: The catalyst in the growth of associate nations

In addition to the ICC policy, franchise T20 growth from an associate nation standpoint is one of the major catalysts for growth and progress. The expansion of franchise T20 leagues, like the CPL, MLC, and ILT20, is vital to associate nations because it helps players like Ali Khan from the US and Lamichhane from Nepal gain experience.

Meanwhile, immigrant communities, especially those from South Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa, are creating interest and investment in cricket throughout North America, Europe, and the Gulf. For instance, Italy, the other associate participant in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, qualified through a multicultural team with South Asian and Caribbean backgrounds.

These communities are creating talent pools and fan bases, bringing sponsorship and media visibility. In summary, associate cricket is not developing in isolation. It is plugged into a global cricketing economy where opportunity travels as quickly as a six over midwicket.

The way forward: From minnows to stakeholders

Associates need more than inspiration to become consistent; they need infrastructure, investment, and inclusion. Regular bilateral series with full members are critical for teams like Namibia, Scotland, and the Netherlands to develop.

We need to create domestic competitions for these nations, as it is a level where we can increase our investment. Change is certainly happening with an increasing number of players paid professionally, an increasing investment into development, and upgrades in coaching and governance.

There are a lot of positive signals. With more ICC support along with local leadership, associates can truly become stakeholders in the long-term future of cricket. If cricket wants to be a global game, then associate cricket needs to be seen as integral and not an afterthought.