Vitality T20 Blast 2026
England's biggest T20 tournament — 18 counties, 133 matches, one Finals Day at Edgbaston. Live scores, group standings, squad guides and records for every county.
About the T20 Blast
The Vitality T20 Blast (formerly the Friends Provident t20 and NatWest t20 Blast) is England and Wales's premier domestic T20 competition, run by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). First played in 2003, the Blast has grown into one of the most popular T20 leagues outside of the IPL, attracting major overseas stars and producing England's next generation of T20 talent.
All 18 First-Class counties participate, split into a North Group and a South Group of nine teams each. The group stage sees each county play 14 matches — 8 home, 6 away — with the top four from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. The two semi-final winners contest the final on Finals Day, traditionally held at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
The 2026 edition begins on 28 May 2026 and promises a stellar line-up of overseas signings alongside England's leading county players. Counties can field up to two overseas players simultaneously, ensuring fans see world-class T20 talent across all 18 venues throughout the summer.
T20 Blast regularly produces record attendances at county grounds, with Old Trafford, Edgbaston, and The Oval routinely selling out. The competition serves as England's primary T20 development pathway, with selectors watching closely for performances worthy of national recognition.
County Teams 2026
Two-time Blast champions Essex Eagles are a South Group powerhouse known for their consistent T20 performances and strong batting line-up.
The Oval outfit boasts two Blast titles and regularly produces England internationals. Their batting depth and pace attack make them perennial contenders.
Notts Outlaws are two-time champions with a fearless T20 approach. Trent Bridge provides one of the best batting surfaces in the competition.
The most successful team in Blast history with three titles. Warriors' aggressive batting and skilled death bowling have been their hallmarks.
Bears are two-time winners and the hosts of Finals Day at Edgbaston. Their home advantage on Finals Day has helped them to glory multiple times.
Lightning strike twice as Blast champions, Lancashire bring Old Trafford atmospheres and a squad packed with England-capped players.
Joint-record holders with three titles, Hampshire Hawks are a perennial Finals Day presence with James Vince leading a deep and experienced squad.
One-time winners, Gloucestershire regularly compete for Finals Day spots thanks to consistent all-round performances at the scenic Bristol County Ground.
Yorkshire Vikings bring international firepower and a rich cricketing heritage. Headingley's short boundaries suit their aggressive T20 style.
Spitfires won the 2021 title under Sam Billings's leadership. Their South Group campaign is consistently strong with pace bowling depth at Canterbury.
T20 Blast All-Time Records
| Record | Holder | Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Most runs (career) | Dawid Malan | 4,100+ |
| Highest individual score | Jos Buttler | 167* |
| Most wickets (career) | Marchant de Lange | 110+ |
| Best bowling figures | Rashid Khan | 7/18 |
| Highest team total | Nottinghamshire | 238/5 |
| Lowest team total | Multiple teams | 68 |
| Most sixes (career) | Liam Livingstone | 250+ |
| Fastest 50 | Richard Levi | 12 balls |
T20 Blast Champions (2013–2024)
| Year | Champion | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Northamptonshire | Lancashire |
| 2023 | Worcestershire | Nottinghamshire |
| 2022 | Lancashire | Surrey |
| 2021 | Kent | Somerset |
| 2020 | Nottinghamshire | Surrey |
| 2019 | Essex | Worcestershire |
| 2018 | Worcestershire | Sussex |
| 2017 | Nottinghamshire | Birmingham Bears |
| 2016 | Northamptonshire | Durham |
| 2015 | Lancashire | Hampshire |
| 2014 | Birmingham Bears | Lancashire |
| 2013 | Northamptonshire | Surrey |
T20 Blast FAQs
When does T20 Blast 2026 start?
T20 Blast 2026 begins on 28 May 2026. The group stage runs through July, with Finals Day at Edgbaston in late July 2026.
How many teams are in the T20 Blast?
All 18 First-Class counties compete in T20 Blast. They are split into a North Group and a South Group of 9 teams each. The top four from each group qualify for the quarter-finals.
Where is T20 Blast Finals Day held?
Finals Day is traditionally held at Edgbaston, Birmingham, home of Warwickshire. The two semi-finals and the final all take place on the same day.
Who has won the most T20 Blast titles?
Worcestershire and Hampshire share the record with three T20 Blast titles each. Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Essex, Surrey, Lancashire, Kent and Warwickshire have also won the competition.
Can overseas players play in T20 Blast?
Yes, counties can field up to three overseas players in their squad and up to two at a time during a match. Top international T20 stars regularly feature each season.