Bermuda Wins Home Advantage: 2028 T20 Americas Qualifier Confirmed

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Americas has awarded Bermuda the prestigious opportunity to host the T20 World Cup Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier for the 2028 edition, marking a significant milestone for Caribbean cricket. The island nation will welcome five competing teams to the National Sports Centre from June 19-28, 2026, as nations battle for advancement in the global qualification process.

This announcement comes as exciting news for cricket enthusiasts tracking T20 tournament schedules and qualifying pathways, as Bermuda looks to leverage home advantage while showcasing world-class facilities. The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) revealed these hosting details during a press conference at North Field Pavilion, attended by government officials, players, and sports administrators.

Tournament Format and Competing Nations

The Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier will feature Group A competition with five participating nations:

• Bermuda (Host nation and defending champions)
• Bahamas
• Belize
• Brazil
• Panama

The tournament structure follows a round-robin format, where each team faces every opponent once. This creates a highly competitive environment where consistency matters, as only the group winner advances to the next qualification stage toward the 2028 T20 World Cup.

Why This Format Matters

Unlike traditional knockout tournaments, the round-robin system ensures every match carries equal weight. Teams cannot afford early losses, making each game crucial for accumulation of points. The single advancement spot intensifies pressure on all participants, particularly Bermuda, who enter as overwhelming favorites.

Bermuda’s Quest for Historic Three-Peat

BCB Executive Director Calvin Blankendal emphasized the historic opportunity before the national team, stating their goal to achieve a “three-peat” after consecutive championships in 2023 and 2024. This winning streak has established Bermuda as the dominant force in ICC Americas regional cricket.

Recent Championship History:

• 2023: Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier Champions
• 2024: Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier Champions
• 2026: Hosting rights secured for potential third consecutive title

Both previous victories propelled Bermuda into final qualifying rounds, demonstrating the tournament’s critical importance for smaller cricketing nations seeking World Cup participation.

National Sports Centre: Proven International Venue

The National Sports Centre will serve as the tournament’s sole venue, providing all competing teams with consistent playing conditions. Craig Tyrell, NSC Operations Manager, highlighted the venue’s readiness and international certification.

In 2022, the BCB and NSC formalized their partnership through a memorandum of understanding dedicated to maintaining international cricket standards. This collaboration between the governing body and facility management has proven successful, with Bermuda hosting multiple high-level competitions recently.

The venue’s curators have worked alongside NSC staff to ensure pitch quality, outfield conditions, and infrastructure meet ICC requirements for official qualification matches.

Government and Community Support

Acting Sports Minister Tinée Furbert attended the announcement ceremony, representing governmental backing for this international sporting event. She described the hosting opportunity as recognition of BCB’s “hard work and dedication” while emphasizing broader benefits beyond cricket.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Furbert outlined several advantages of hosting international cricket tournaments:

• Youth Inspiration: Young athletes witness international competition firsthand
• Tourism Promotion: Bermuda gains exposure as a premier sporting destination
• Community Unity: Sporting events bring together diverse populations
• International Reputation: Successful hosting strengthens global partnerships
• Cultural Showcase: Cricket’s deep roots in Bermudian tradition receive spotlight

The government’s support extends beyond ceremonial endorsements, with infrastructure assistance and promotional backing expected throughout the tournament preparation period.

Home Advantage: Player Perspectives

Fast bowler Zeko Burgess represented the national squad at the announcement, expressing genuine excitement about competing before home crowds. His comments revealed the emotional significance of home tournaments for players who typically compete abroad.

“There is nothing like playing in front of our fans and also our family, which we don’t get to do often,” Burgess stated. He acknowledged the BCB’s efforts in securing hosting rights, noting the complexity of preparing for major international tournaments.

The Fan Factor

Home support provides tangible advantages:

• Familiar Conditions: Players know pitch characteristics and weather patterns
• Reduced Travel Fatigue: No long flights or time zone adjustments
• Psychological Boost: Crowd support during pressure moments
• Family Presence: Loved ones can attend matches without international travel
• Local Knowledge: Understanding of ground dimensions and boundaries

Bermuda’s previous hosting experiences have demonstrated their capacity to organize professional tournaments while generating enthusiastic local attendance.

BCB President’s Vision

Lloyd Smith, BCB President, described the hosting rights as a “monumental achievement” for the organization. His statement at the press conference outlined dual objectives: competitive success and destination marketing.

“We are incredibly grateful to the ICC Americas for their confidence in our ability to host a world-class event,” Smith explained. He emphasized that hosting provides the national team with home-field advantage while positioning Bermuda internationally.

Smith’s vision extends beyond this single tournament, hoping to establish Bermuda as a regular host for regional cricket competitions. The island’s geographic location, quality facilities, and cricket infrastructure make it an attractive option for ICC Americas events.

Regional Competition Analysis

While Bermuda enters as clear favorites, understanding competitor profiles provides context for the tournament’s competitive landscape.

Bahamas: Limited international cricket experience but improving grassroots programs Belize: Emerging cricket nation with growing player development initiatives
Brazil: Non-traditional cricket market showing recent organizational growth Panama: Established ICC Americas member with competitive ambitions

The disparity in cricket development between Bermuda and other Group A nations suggests a potential walkover, yet tournament pressure and one-off match scenarios can produce surprises. Bermuda must maintain focus throughout all matches to secure advancement.

Path to 2028 T20 World Cup

This sub-regional qualifier represents the initial step in a multi-stage qualification process. The tournament winner advances to higher-level regional qualifiers, eventually leading to global qualification tournaments.

Qualification Pathway Structure:

1. Sub-Regional Qualifier (June 2026) → Group winner advances
2. Regional Finals → Compete against other Americas sub-regional winners
3. Global Qualifiers → Final opportunity for World Cup berths
4. 2028 T20 World Cup → Final tournament participation

Each stage increases competition quality, requiring sustained excellence over extended periods. Bermuda’s back-to-back championships demonstrate their capability to navigate this demanding pathway.

Preparation and Expectations

Tournament preparation involves multiple stakeholders beyond players and coaches. The BCB must coordinate logistics, marketing, volunteer recruitment, and international relations with visiting teams.

Executive Director Blankendal’s reference to the “three-peat” goal sets clear expectations for the national team. Public anticipation will be high, particularly given Bermuda’s recent dominance and home-field advantage.

Training Considerations

The national squad benefits from extended training periods at the tournament venue, allowing familiarity with:

• Pitch behavior under various weather conditions
• Boundary dimensions and fielding positions
• Changing room facilities and practice areas
• Local weather patterns affecting match conditions

This preparation time advantage cannot be replicated by visiting teams arriving shortly before competition begins.

Tourism and Hospitality Opportunities

International cricket tournaments attract officials, team support staff, media personnel, and traveling supporters. Bermuda’s tourism industry stands to benefit from visitor spending across accommodation, dining, transportation, and entertainment sectors.

The tournament’s June timing coincides with attractive weather conditions, potentially encouraging extended stays beyond cricket match days. Marketing Bermuda through sports tourism aligns with broader economic development strategies for the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Bermuda host the T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier?
The tournament will take place from June 19-28, 2026, at the National Sports Centre in Bermuda.

Which teams are competing in Group A?
Bermuda, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, and Panama will compete in the round-robin format.

How many teams advance from this qualifier?
Only the group winner advances to the next stage of qualification toward the 2028 T20 World Cup.

Has Bermuda won this tournament before?
Yes, Bermuda are defending champions, having won the Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier in both 2023 and 2024.

What is the tournament format?
A round-robin format where each team plays every other team once, with the top finisher advancing.

Can fans attend the matches?
Yes, the BCB welcomes local supporters and international visitors to attend matches at the National Sports Centre.

What happens after winning the Sub-Regional Qualifier?
The winner progresses to regional finals against other Americas sub-regional champions, continuing the path toward global qualifiers.

Why is home advantage important for Bermuda?
Home conditions provide familiarity with pitches, eliminate travel fatigue, offer crowd support, and allow family attendance at matches.

Conclusion

Bermuda’s selection as host for the 2028 T20 World Cup Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier represents recognition of the island’s cricket infrastructure, organizational capability, and competitive excellence. The tournament provides an exceptional platform for the national team to pursue historic three consecutive championships while showcasing Bermudian hospitality and sporting culture.

With government backing, professional venue management, and enthusiastic player commitment, Bermuda is positioned to deliver a memorable tournament that advances both competitive and promotional objectives. The June 2026 competition will capture regional attention as nations battle for limited advancement spots, with Bermuda seeking to convert home advantage into qualification success.