The bright lights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup may not feature Jersey this year, but the dream remains very much alive for the Channel Islands side.
Jersey narrowly missed qualification after a dramatic Europe Region Final, despite sealing a thrilling last-ball win over Scotland. Now, a group of their players – including Harrison Carlyon and Zak Tribe – are in Chennai for a training camp and will attend the Afghanistan vs Canada clash at Chepauk, soaking in the atmosphere of cricket’s grand stage.
Zak Tribe admitted that watching the tournament from the stands stirs mixed emotions. “Every cricketer watching the World Cup wishes they can play at the level and have that hunger to go out there and do it,” he said. “I’m sure a lot of our boys will be wishing that they are the ones out there on the field.”
Jersey’s near miss has only strengthened their resolve. Currently sitting atop their 50-over ICC Challenge League group, they are firmly in contention for progression towards qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The exposure to elite conditions in Chennai, including training sessions at the CSK Academy, is part of their broader preparation.
For Tribe, the motivation is also personal. His brother, Asa Tribe, has emerged as a rising star in franchise cricket, and Zak hopes one day they might share a World Cup stage—whether representing Jersey or potentially different nations.
As winter grips the Channel Islands, Jersey’s cricketers are finding warmth in ambition, experience, and belief. Watching from the stands today, they hope, will fuel their determination to walk out onto the field tomorrow.