Global Cricket League 2026 Squads: Full Team Lists and Key Players to Watch

Cricket fans across America and beyond are in for an absolute treat this January. The inaugural Global Cricket League (GCL) 2026 is set to light up Florida’s sunshine with six star-studded franchises battling it out in what promises to be a game-changing moment for cricket in the United States.

From the dusty grounds of Lahore to the iconic stadiums of Sydney, T20 cricket has conquered hearts worldwide—and now it’s America’s turn to embrace the fastest, most thrilling format of the gentleman’s game. The GCL 2026 isn’t just another franchise tournament; it’s a clarion call to the 30 million cricket enthusiasts living in the USA, a bold statement that American soil can nurture world-class cricket action.

Starting January 16, 2026, the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida—a venue that’s already witnessed memorable international encounters—will become the epicenter of this cricketing revolution. Six teams loaded with international legends, hungry domestic talents, and X-factor players will compete across 18 league fixtures before the knockout playoffs crown the first-ever GCL champion. Think Shoaib Malik orchestrating run chases, Saeed Ajmal bamboozling batsmen with his mystery spin, and Martin Guptill unleashing trademark boundaries—all under the Florida sun.

The GCL 2026 squads read like a who’s who of modern cricket royalty mixed with emerging American talents eager to prove they belong on the global stage. From the Chicago Windchasers to the Las Vegas Aces, each franchise has assembled combinations that blend experience, firepower, and local flavor. This tournament could be the spark USA cricket desperately needs, providing grassroots inspiration while showcasing the sport to new audiences in a country dominated by baseball and basketball.

So buckle up. We’re diving deep into every squad, analyzing strengths, spotlighting the superstars, and predicting which team might just lift that inaugural trophy.

Tournament Format and Schedule Overview

The Global Cricket League 2026 follows a tried-and-tested T20 franchise model that’s proven successful from the IPL to the PSL. Six teams will compete in a round-robin league stage featuring 18 matches, with each side facing every opponent at least twice. The top four teams then advance to the playoffs—Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Grand Final—ensuring every match carries weight and drama.

All games will be played at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, a venue familiar to international cricket fans. According to ESPNcricinfo, this ground has hosted numerous international T20Is and provides excellent playing conditions for entertaining cricket. The compact tournament window running from mid-January through early February means fans get nearly three weeks of non-stop action.

The league promises prime-time viewing slots designed to capture both American audiences and cricket-mad fans across Asia, the Caribbean, and beyond. With streaming partnerships already in place, the GCL USA 2026 players will perform before a truly global audience.

Full GCL 2026 Squads – Complete Team Lists

Here’s what everyone’s been waiting for—the comprehensive Global Cricket League full squads breakdown. Each team has assembled 15-18 players combining international stars, Associate nation representatives, and American domestic talents.

GCL 2026 Full Squad Lists at a Glance

Chicago Windchasers

• Icon Player: Ravi Bopara (England)
• Key Internationals: Shoaib Malik (Pakistan), Kamran Akmal (Pakistan), Jermaine Blackwood (West Indies)
• Notable USA Players: Gajanand Singh, Steven Taylor

Las Vegas Aces

• Icon Player: Martin Guptill (New Zealand)
• Key Internationals: Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan), Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka), Mohammad Asif (Pakistan)
• Notable USA Players: Ali Khan, Elmore Hutchinson

New York Lions

• Icon Player: Shaun Marsh (Australia)
• Key Internationals: S Sreesanth (India), Ryan ten Doeschate (Netherlands), Sohail Tanvir (Pakistan)
• Notable USA Players: Jessy Singh, Timil Patel

California Knights

• Icon Player: Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan)
• Key Internationals: Imran Nazir (Pakistan), Abdur Razzak (Bangladesh), George Bailey (Australia)
• Notable USA Players: Sushant Modani, Xavier Marshall

Texas Chargers

• Icon Player: Samiullah Shinwari (Afghanistan)
• Key Internationals: Brad Hodge (Australia), Fidel Edwards (West Indies), Hamid Hassan (Afghanistan)
• Notable USA Players: Muhammad Ghous, Rusty Theron

Miami Beachcruisers

• Icon Player: Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
• Key Internationals: Umar Akmal (Pakistan), Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka), James Franklin (New Zealand)
• Notable USA Players: Akeal Hosein, Hayden Walsh Jr.

Chicago Windchasers Squad and Analysis

The Windchasers have assembled a squad that screams versatility and experience. Leading the charge is Ravi Bopara, the English all-rounder who’s made a career out of adapting to conditions worldwide. Bopara’s T20 franchise pedigree is impeccable—from the Caribbean Premier League to Pakistan Super League, he’s delivered match-winning performances when stakes are highest.

Full Chicago Windchasers Player List:

• Ravi Bopara (ENG) – Icon Player
• Shoaib Malik (PAK)
• Kamran Akmal (PAK)
• Jermaine Blackwood (WI)
• Yasir Arafat (PAK)
• Gajanand Singh (USA)
• Steven Taylor (USA)
• Fabian Allen (WI)
• Asif Ali (PAK)
• Junaid Khan (PAK)
• Sunny Sohal (CAN)
• Nikhil Dutta (USA)
• Akshay Homraj (USA)
• MD Mehmood (USA)
• Shehan Jayasuriya (SL)

The real X-factor here? Shoaib Malik. At an age where most cricketers have hung up their boots, Malik continues defying Father Time with silky stroke play and tactical genius. His partnership with Kamran Akmal—a wicketkeeper-batsman who can demolish any bowling attack on his day—gives Chicago explosive top-order firepower.

Jermaine Blackwood brings Caribbean flair and the ability to counterattack when wickets tumble. The inclusion of USA talents like Gajanand Singh and Steven Taylor provides local representation while potentially unearthing future American cricket stars.

Strengths: Batting depth, experienced middle-order, quality pace options in Junaid Khan
Concern: Can the bowling unit contain rampaging batsmen in Florida’s small boundaries?

Las Vegas Aces Squad and Analysis

If any team embodies the glitz and unpredictability of Las Vegas itself, it’s the Aces. Martin Guptill leads this outfit—a batsman who’s single-handedly dismantled attacks in World Cups and franchise leagues alike. Guptill’s ability to score at 150+ strike rates while building substantial innings makes him the perfect foundation.

Full Las Vegas Aces Player List:

• Martin Guptill (NZ) – Icon Player
• Saeed Ajmal (PAK)
• Thisara Perera (SL)
• Mohammad Asif (PAK)
• Ali Khan (USA)
• Elmore Hutchinson (USA)
• Chris Gayle (WI)
• Mohammad Shahzad (AFG)
• Sohail Khan (PAK)
• Moises Henriques (AUS)
• Mukhtar Ahmed (USA)
• Kenjige Nosthush (USA)
• Kamau Leverock (BER)
• Timroy Allen (USA)
• Assad Fudadin (WI)

But here’s where things get spicy: Saeed Ajmal. The mystery spinner who once topped ICC ODI rankings returns to competitive cricket. As reported by Wisden, Ajmal’s doosra and variations tormented batsmen for years before remodeling his action. In T20 cricket’s middle overs, he could be absolutely lethal.

Mohammad Asif’s inclusion raises eyebrows and excitement simultaneously. Once considered among Pakistan’s finest swing bowlers before his controversial exit from international cricket, Asif possesses skills that haven’t diminished with time. Imagine him exploiting any hint of moisture in Florida’s evening conditions.

The Aces also feature Chris Gayle—yes, the Universe Boss himself—adding star power and boundary-hitting supremacy. Thisara Perera’s lower-order explosiveness and death-bowling experience complete a well-rounded squad.

Strengths: Genuine match-winners, spin quality, entertainment value
Concern: Age and fitness management across a condensed tournament

New York Lions Squad and Analysis

The Lions have opted for Australian solidity combined with subcontinental flair. Shaun Marsh brings class and consistency—qualities often undervalued in T20 chaos but crucial when chasing 160+ totals. Marsh’s technique against spin and pace makes him the perfect anchor.

Full New York Lions Player List:

• Shaun Marsh (AUS) – Icon Player
• S Sreesanth (IND)
• Ryan ten Doeschate (NED)
• Sohail Tanvir (PAK)
• Jessy Singh (USA)
• Timil Patel (USA)
• Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL)
• Upul Tharanga (SL)
• Dwayne Smith (WI)
• Andre Russell (WI)
• Wahab Riaz (PAK)
• Monank Patel (USA)
• Sami Aslam (PAK)
• Kevon Cooper (TT)
• Mohammad Irfan (PAK)

S Sreesanth’s comeback story continues. The controversial Indian pacer who served a ban but never lost his competitive fire now gets another stage. His genuine pace and ability to extract bounce could trouble batsmen on Lauderhill’s surface.

Ryan ten Doeschate, the greatest Associate cricketer arguably ever produced, brings leadership and all-round capabilities. His T20 franchise resume spans continents, and his cricket intelligence could prove difference-making in tight contests.

The Lions’ secret weapon? Sohail Tanvir’s left-arm angle and variations. Remember his devastating 2008 IPL performances? That skill set remains dangerous in T20 cricket.

Strengths: Balanced composition, quality spin options, proven performers
Concern: Middle-order depth if top order fails

California Knights Squad and Analysis

Abdul Razzaq leads a squad built around Pakistani firepower and experienced finishers. Razzaq himself revolutionized the finisher role before players like Pollard and Russell made it fashionable. His ability to hit straight sixes and bowl cutters at the death provides dual value.

Full California Knights Player List:

• Abdul Razzaq (PAK) – Icon Player
• Imran Nazir (PAK)
• Abdur Razzak (BAN)
• George Bailey (AUS)
• Sushant Modani (USA)
• Xavier Marshall (USA)
• Azhar Mahmood (PAK/ENG)
• Dilhara Fernando (SL)
• Usman Ghani (AFG)
• Rayad Emrit (WI)
• Narsingh Deonarine (WI)
• Ian Holland (AUS)
• Rusty Theron (SA)
• Najibullah Zadran (AFG)
• Hayden Walsh (WI)

Imran Nazir opens—a batsman who could score 50 off 20 balls or get out for a duck, with no in-between. That volatility makes him fascinating to watch. George Bailey’s captaincy experience and situation-reading ability strengthen the middle order.

Abdur Razzak from Bangladesh brings left-arm spin that’s proven effective across formats. The Knights also feature Azhar Mahmood, another Pakistani all-rounder whose T20 experience spans decades.

Strengths: All-round depth, explosive openers, death bowling options
Concern: Consistency—this squad could beat anyone or lose inexplicably

Texas Chargers Squad and Analysis

The Chargers represent Afghanistan’s cricketing rise beautifully. Samiullah Shinwari, the Afghan explosive opener, leads a squad mixing Subcontinental aggression with Australian finishing prowess.

Full Texas Chargers Player List:

• Samiullah Shinwari (AFG) – Icon Player
• Brad Hodge (AUS)
• Fidel Edwards (WI)
• Hamid Hassan (AFG)
• Muhammad Ghous (USA)
• Rusty Theron (USA)
• Asghar Afghan (AFG)
• Sunil Narine (WI)
• Mohammad Nabi (AFG)
• Najibullah Zadran (AFG)
• Kyle Mayers (WI)
• Khary Pierre (WI)
• Sunny Sohal (CAN)
• Rayad Emrit (WI)
• Aaron Jones (USA)

Brad Hodge—one of Australia’s most successful domestic cricketers—brings tactical nous and power-hitting credentials. His franchise experience globally makes him invaluable in pressure situations.

Fidel Edwards’ raw pace could trouble batsmen unaccustomed to genuine speed. Hamid Hassan, Afghanistan’s tearaway quick, complements him perfectly. The Chargers’ bowling attack looks genuinely threatening.

The real coup? If they’ve secured Sunil Narine (squad lists vary by source), his mystery spin could dominate on slower surfaces.

Strengths: Pace attack, Afghan spin quality, lower-order hitting
Concern: Top-order consistency beyond Shinwari

Miami Beachcruisers Squad and Analysis

Misbah-ul-Haq’s leadership elevates any squad. Pakistan’s former captain transformed their Test fortunes and brings that winning mentality to Miami. While his T20 strike rate was often criticized, his tactical acumen and calm presence cannot be quantified statistically.

Full Miami Beachcruisers Player List:

• Misbah-ul-Haq (PAK) – Icon Player
• Umar Akmal (PAK)
• Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL)
• James Franklin (NZ)
• Akeal Hosein (WI)
• Hayden Walsh Jr. (WI)
• Darren Sammy (WI)
• Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI)
• Aftab Alam (AFG)
• Cameron Delport (SA)
• Shahid Afridi (PAK)
• Mustafizur Rahman (BAN)
• Irfan Pathan (IND)
• Andre Fletcher (WI)
• Colin Munro (NZ)

Umar Akmal’s talent was never questioned—only his consistency. When firing, he’s unplayable. Tillakaratne Dilshan’s dilscoop and innovative stroke play remain entertaining, while James Franklin offers all-round balance.

The Beachcruisers potentially feature Darren Sammy—Mr. T20 himself—whose captaincy won two World T20 titles. His ability to inspire and deliver clutch performances makes him priceless.

Strengths: Leadership, middle-order firepower, spin variety
Concern: Several players well past prime years—fitness crucial

Top International Stars to Watch

Shoaib Malik (Chicago Windchasers)

Imagine Shoaib Malik rolling back the years under Florida lights. At 44, the Pakistani maestro continues defying logic with his fitness, timing, and game awareness. Malik has played over 450 T20 matches globally—that experience translates to pressure-handling and tactical excellence. Watch him manipulate field placements and rotate strike effortlessly while exploding when bowlers err.

Martin Guptill (Las Vegas Aces)

Guptill’s powerhitting remains world-class. His record 237* in ODI cricket showcased his boundary-clearing prowess, but T20 cricket is his natural habitat. Expect fireworks in the powerplay—Guptill targeting straight boundaries with that high backlift and magnificent follow-through. ESPNcricinfo statistics show his T20 strike rate consistently above 135 across formats.

Ravi Bopara (Chicago Windchasers)

Bopara epitomizes the modern T20 journeyman—always adapting, always relevant. His ability to bowl death overs, finish chases, and guide younger players makes him invaluable. Don’t be surprised if he wins Chicago a knockout game with an unbeaten 40 off 25 balls featuring those trademark inside-out boundaries.

Saeed Ajmal (Las Vegas Aces)

The mystery spinner’s return to competitive cricket is this tournament’s biggest intrigue. Can Ajmal replicate even 70% of his prime? His doosra may have been reconstructed, but his variations—the teesra, the carrom ball—remain potent weapons. Batsmen unfamiliar with his variations could struggle mightily.

Thisara Perera (Las Vegas Aces)

Sri Lanka’s explosive all-rounder brings genuine fast-bowling capability and lower-order destruction. Perera’s ability to tonk sixes from ball one makes him a death-overs nightmare for bowlers. His bowling—angling across right-handers with heavy-ball effect—provides crucial breakthroughs.

Rising Local Talents and USA Cricket Impact

The GCL 2026’s significance extends beyond entertainment—it’s a development catalyst for American cricket. USA Cricket has been building infrastructure and pathways, but without consistent high-quality domestic action, talent stagnates.

Ali Khan (Las Vegas Aces) has already broken through to international T20 cricket, playing in various global leagues. His pace and yorkers make him America’s most exciting fast-bowling prospect. Watch him test international stars—those battles will accelerate his development exponentially.

Gajanand Singh (Chicago Windchasers) represents the USA’s batting future. Every innings alongside veterans like Malik and Bopara provides priceless learning opportunities. Singh’s technique and temperament suggest he could graduate to higher-level competitions soon.

Steven Taylor (Chicago Windchasers) has impressed in USA domestic cricket with his aggressive batting. This platform exposes him to quality bowling he’d never face domestically—sink or swim opportunities that forge champions.

Monank Patel (New York Lions) captains USA’s national team and brings leadership credentials. His wicketkeeping skills and middle-order batting provide balance, while his involvement raises the tournament’s profile domestically.

The ripple effects could transform USA cricket. Young Americans watching Malik, Guptill, and Afridi on home soil might pick up bats instead of baseball gloves. Local players sharing dressing rooms with legends will absorb professionalism and technical insights impossible to teach traditionally. Corporate sponsors observing passionate crowds might invest more heavily in cricket infrastructure.

As reported by Wisden, USA Cricket aims to reach the 2028 Olympics—tournaments like GCL 2026 provide visibility and development pathways essential to that goal.

Which Teams Look Strongest on Paper?

Handicapping this tournament requires balancing experience against firepower, consistency against X-factors.

Las Vegas Aces appear formidable—Guptill, Gayle, Ajmal, and Asif create genuine star power while Perera adds balance. If their veterans stay healthy, they’re legitimate favorites.

Chicago Windchasers possess beautiful batting depth and experience closing tight games. Malik’s leadership combined with Bopara’s all-round skills makes them dark horses.

Miami Beachcruisers under Misbah’s captaincy could surprise everyone. Never underestimate tournament-hardened leaders who’ve won T20 World Cups and franchise titles.

Texas Chargers intrigue because their bowling attack—Edwards, Hassan, potentially Narine—could dominate in Florida’s evening conditions when dew is minimal.

The beauty of T20 cricket? On any given day, a Kamran Akmal blitz or Sreesanth spell can overturn predictions. That unpredictability makes the GCL 2026 player list so compelling—every squad contains match-winners.

Conclusion: American Cricket’s Coming-Out Party

The Global Cricket League 2026 represents ambition, opportunity, and entertainment colliding beautifully. Six squads loaded with cricketing royalty will compete for glory while inspiring the next generation of American cricketers. From Chicago to Las Vegas, New York to Miami, these franchises carry regional pride into battle.

Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground will witness Mohammad Asif’s inswingers, Shoaib Malik’s wristy flicks, Martin Guptill’s sixes splashing into crowds, and hopefully, American talents announcing themselves on the global stage. This tournament could be the spark USA cricket desperately needs—professional pathway, grassroots inspiration, and mainstream visibility combined.

Will Las Vegas’s star power overwhelm opponents? Can Chicago’s experience trump raw talent? Might an underdog franchise shock everyone? That’s the magic of T20 cricket—any team, any day, can achieve glory.

The GCL USA 2026 players are ready. The stage is set. American cricket’s coming-out party begins January 16, 2026.

Which team are you backing? Let us know in the comments!