New Delhi, July 12 -- International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah lauded Italy and the Netherlands after both teams qualified for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup. It is scheduled to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka.

In a post on X on late Friday evening, Shah said, "An amazing result for @KNCBcricket and @FedCricket, qualifying for the @ICC Men's @T20WorldCup 2026 through the Europe Qualifier," Shah wrote.

"For Italy, it will be their first-ever appearance at the tournament that India will defend early next year. Well done to both teams!"

While the Netherlands are a familiar face in the global T20 landscape, Italy's qualification marks a significant moment in the nation's cricketing journey, as they prepare to showcase their tal...