ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 starts in India And Sri Lanka From February 7 to March 8, a huge field of 20 teams with 55 matches will be played. There has been a big change in Group C in the tournament
scotland Makes a last minute entry to change bangladeshFollowing the latter’s withdrawal due to venue-related disagreements with the ICC. As defending champions India prepare to host the Worlds, the inclusion of the world’s highest-ranked non-qualified team provides an unexpected edge in the early stages of the competition.
Brett Lee’s T20 World Cup 2026 prediction: MVP and top wicket-taker
Australian fast bowling legend brett lee has officially announced the name of the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav as her choice for Most Valuable Player (MVP) Of the 2026 edition. Speaking on the Mr. Cricket UAE podcast, Lee highlighted Suryakumar’s explosive comeback during the recent T20I series against New Zealand, where he scored 242 runs at a strike rate of 196.75.
Lee said that although the batsman had a quiet 2025, his ability to dominate subcontinental conditions makes him the primary threat to any bowling attack. Additionally, Lee also predicted that the mysterious spinner Varun Chakraborty Will finish the tournament as the leading wicket taker. He commented that the pitches in India and Sri Lanka were perfectly suited to Chakravarthy’s style, adding that this tournament was “ready for him” to thrash international batsmen and emerge as the standout bowler of the World Cup.
“His form is coming, the wickets will be prepared which will suit him, the way he can trouble the batsmen, I think it is set for him, this will be his World Cup,” Lee said in an appearance on the Mr Cricket UAE podcast.
Also read: Michael Vaughan leaves Pakistan out of his bold predictions for T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finalists
Lee’s champion prediction for T20 World Cup 2026
In reference to the eventual winner of the tournament, Lee identified India, Australia, England and New Zealand As one of its four semi-finalists, the Black Caps were dubbed the eternal ‘dark horses’ of the competition. Recognizing that India are entering the tournament as a powerhouse on home soil, Lee backed Mitchell Marsh’s Australia to ultimately lift the trophy.
Lee said the battle for the title would likely come down to a clash between India and Australia, but admitted that his ‘heart’ is with the Australian team to capture another global title. Australia have been placed in Group B with Sri Lanka irelandLee believes the balance of power-hitting and experienced seamers will be enough to sail through the high-pressure knockout rounds and potentially silence the home crowd in the final.
“It will be one of two, India or Australia. Don’t hate me, Australia will win, it’s my heart.” Lee concluded.
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