On Thursday, England were drawn to face Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Group B, alongside an as-yet-undetermined qualifier, whom they are due to face in Harare on October 20, 2027, in their fourth match of the tournament.

That tour followed a stand-off during the 2003 World Cup, the last to be staged in Southern Africa. Amid political pressure from the UK government, and in the wake of death threats from a group calling themselves the Sons and Daughters of Zimbabwe, England – under the captaincy of Nasser Hussain – opted not to travel to the country for their group-stage match with the tournament co-hosts.

That decision caused the match to be forfeited in Zimbabwe’s favour, which in turn contributed to Zimbabwe’s progression to the Super Six stage at England’s expense. The teams have only met once in subsequent ICC events, at the inaugural World T20 in September 2007, when England won by 50 runs in Cape Town.

The 2027 World Cup draw ensured that England will avoid both India, the tournament favourites, and Australia, the defending champions, at least until the Super 7 phase.

West Indies, Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands and Nepal – all of whom featured at the 2025 T20 World Cup – are among the 12 teams who will be competing for two remaining spots.