Background: Cricket in the USA
Cricket has a long but often overlooked history in the United States. In the 1800s, it was a popular sport along the East Coast before baseball became the national pastime. Today, cricket is experiencing a revival, largely due to communities from cricket-loving nations such as India, Pakistan, the Caribbean, and Australia.
The USA Men’s Cricket Team, governed by USA Cricket, has steadily improved in international competitions, climbing the ICC rankings and qualifying for major tournaments. With a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent, the team is poised to make an impact in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
USA’s T20 World Cup 2024 Performance
In the 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies, the American team made history. It was a landmark moment for cricket in the country — not only hosting but also performing admirably on the international stage.
Key Highlights
- USA vs Pakistan — T20 World Cup 2024 Shock USA pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by beating Pakistan in a Super Over thriller at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.
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Thrilling Win vs Canada: USA chased 194 to win 197/3, marking the highest successful chase by an Associate nation in T20 World Cup history. (icc-cricket.com)
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Competitiveness Against Full Members: Although the team didn’t advance beyond the group stage, they challenged established cricket nations and showed promise for the future.
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Rising Stars: Players like Aaron Jones and Andries Gous established themselves as reliable performers under pressure.
The 2024 World Cup performance set the stage for 2026, giving USA players experience against top-tier competition and fans a reason to be excited.
USA Men’s Cricket Team — Expected T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Note: The official 18-man squad has not yet been announced. The following is based on credible reports and expected selections. (cricket.one)
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Monank Patel |
| Vice-Captain | Jessy Singh |
| Batter / All-Rounder | Aaron Jones |
| Andries Gous | |
| Milind Kumar | |
| Shayan Jahangir | |
| Sai Mukkamalla | |
| Sanjay Krishnamurthi | |
| Fast Bowlers | Saurabh Netravalkar |
| Ali Khan*⚠️ | |
| Mohammad Mohsin | |
| Shadley van Schalkwyk | |
| Spin / All-Round Bowlers | Ehsan Adil |
| Harmeet Singh | |
| Nosthush Kenjige |
⚠️ Ali Khan’s participation depends on visa clearance, as recent reports indicate a delay in his Indian visa process. (espncricinfo.com)
Group Stage & Key Matchups
The USA has been drawn into Group A alongside:
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India
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Pakistan
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Namibia
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Netherlands (wisden.com)
It’s a challenging group, but also an opportunity to make history. The Americans will aim to surprise full-member nations and secure at least one major upset — a crucial step in building cricket’s profile in the U.S.
USA Squad Strengths
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Batting: Anchored by Aaron Jones and Andries Gous, with emerging talents like Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Sai Mukkamalla providing depth.
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Bowling: A mix of pace (Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohsin) and spin options (Kenjige, Harmeet Singh) ensures a balanced attack.
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Experience: International players like Shayan Jahangir and Ehsan Adil bring leadership and composure under pressure.
Predictions & Fan Outlook
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Expect USA to target wins against associate nations like Namibia and the Netherlands.
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Games against India and Pakistan will be tough but crucial for gaining experience and global exposure.
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Fans should watch for emerging stars, who could be the face of American cricket in the coming decade.
With cricket gaining popularity in the U.S., the T20 World Cup 2026 is more than a tournament — it’s a chance for the USA to showcase the sport’s potential in a non-traditional cricket market.
