KFC T20 Max Men's Previews

By Lachlan Bragger, who is currently studying at Queensland Cricket’s Institute of Sport and Business.

 

 

Valley:

Always a powerhouse and consistently charged with elite talent, the runners up from last outing will be looking to gain redemption in what shapes to be a scintillating KFC T20 Max. The squad once again features a stacked lineup, with Jack Wildermuth (Brisbane Heat), Callum Vidler (Brisbane Heat), Hugh Weibgen (Brisbane Heat), Max Bryant (Brisbane Heat), Mark Steketee (QLD), Tom Straker (QLD) and none other than Aussie great Usman Khawaja.

Wildermuth dominated with the bat last season, producing Don Bradman-esque numbers scoring 472 runs in just seven matches at a remarkable average of 94.4.

One of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament will come in Round 4, when the reigning premiers face a grand final rematch under lights at Peter Burge Oval, Redlands. With both sides expected to feature star-studded line-ups, it promises to be one of the marquee contests of the season.

Players to watch:

Batter: Jack Wildermuth

Bowler: Callum Vidler

Wests:

After a strong 2025 campaign that climaxed in a semi-final appearance, Wests will be looking to go one step further in this year's KFC T20 Max. The club also celebrated the success of several players earning Brisbane Heat contracts following standout performances throughout the tournament.

Left-arm quick Oli Patterson was the competition's leading wicket-taker in 2025, claiming 15 wickets at an outstanding average of just 9.73. Now with a year of experience at the professional level, Patterson will be expected to play a pivotal role once again in Wests title push.

With the bat, Western Australian Will Bosisto returns after another prolific campaign, finishing among the competition's top five run-scorers and providing the stability and experience that has become synonymous with his game.

Wests open their tournament against the University of Queensland, a clash that will provide an early indication of how one of the competition's premiership favourites is shaping up for the season.

Players to watch:

Batter: Will Bosisto

Bowler: Oli Patterson

Redlands:

Redlands will once again enter the KFC T20 Max as one of the competition's favourites. With one of the world's premier batters in Marnus Labuschagne leading a star-studded lineup, it's easy to understand why. But the strength of this side extends well beyond Labuschagne, with Jimmy Peirson, James Bazley and Sam Heazlett all returning to spearhead another title challenge.

Peirson was the hero of last year's grand final, producing a match-winning century to guide Redlands to the title. He and Heazlett were among the competition's most prolific run-scorers, finishing second and fourth respectively, highlighting the immense batting depth Redlands possess. Restricting this lineup to a modest total will be a daunting task for any opposition.

The bowling attack is equally formidable. Left-arm spinner James Pullar will once again be relied upon to weave his magic, while the class and skill of James Bazley provide a proven wicket-taking threat. Clocking in excess of 140kmp/h, the express pace of Matt Hennig will be sure to rattle a few cages as the Victorian has his eyes set on a huge campaign.

Redlands will also enjoy the advantage of opening their 2026 campaign with three consecutive home fixtures under lights at Peter Burge Oval. Familiar conditions and strong home support provide the reigning champions with an ideal opportunity to build momentum early as they look to defend their KFC T20 Max crown.

Players to watch:

Batter: Sam Heazlett

Bowler: James Pullar

South Brisbane:

Souths head into the 2026 KFC T20 Max campaign with plenty of optimism and a squad packed with experience and star power. Captain Gurinder Sandhu will once again lead the attack, while explosive all-rounder Ben Cutting brings his trademark match-winning ability to a side capable of challenging the competition's best.

The talent doesn't stop there. NSW gun Arjun Nair is set to return after an outstanding 2025 tournament, where he played a pivotal role in Souths' campaign. The world-class all-rounder finished among the competition's top five wicket-takers, claiming 14 wickets at an impressive average of 15.21, and will once again be a key figure with both ball and bat.

Souths will also look to capitalise on the advantage of familiar surroundings, with four of their six regular season fixtures to be played at Norman Gray Oval. Home conditions could prove crucial as the boys in green look to build momentum and mount a serious challenge for the title.

Players to watch:

Batter: Ben Cutting

Bowler: Gurinder Sandhu

Toombul:

Look out in the stands and more importantly on the field, as BBL star Blake Nikitaris dons the red in 2026, adding even more firepower to a side determined to improve on last season's fifth-place finish. Nikitaris' arrival strengthens an already dangerous batting lineup with genuine match-winning capability.

Lachie Hearne also returns after a sensational 2025 campaign, where he averaged just under 70 at the top of the order and established himself as one of the competition's premier batters. If that wasn't enough to concern opposition bowlers, Australian representative Matt Renshaw is set to feature once again, bringing international-class experience and the ability to take games away from the opposition.

Packed with talent from top to bottom, this lineup has all the ingredients to mount a serious challenge for the 2026 KFC T20 Max title.

Players to watch:

Batter: Blake Nikitaris

Bowler: Tom Balkin

Gold Coast:

With a squad stacked with domestic talent and proven match-winners, Gold Coast will be a side to watch closely throughout the 2026 KFC T20 Max. Leading the charge is Brisbane Heat spinner Matt Kuhnemann, whose experience and class will make him a handful for any batting lineup in the competition.

The batting stocks are equally exciting, with Queensland's Hugo Burdon looking to make his mark alongside the likes of Callum Taylor and South Australian Josh Kann.

Perhaps the biggest addition is Sydney Sixers all-rounder Hayden Kerr. A proven performer at BBL level, Kerr's ability to impact the game with both bat and ball adds another dimension to an already talented squad.

With Kuhnemann leading the spin department and plenty of firepower throughout the batting order, the Gold Coast have assembled a well-balanced squad. If their big names fire, expect them to be right in the hunt for the 2026 KFC T20 Max title.

Players to watch:

Batter: Hugo Burdon

Bowler: Matt Kuhnemann

Sunshine Coast

The Scorchers enter the 2026 KFC T20 Max with an exciting mix of international experience and emerging talent ready to make their mark. New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Curtis Heaphy headlines the recruits, arriving as a recent NZ ‘A’ representative and adding plenty of quality to the Scorchers’ top order.

Victorian rising star Mitch Jamieson returns for his second stint on the Coast after continuing to impress in Victorian Premier Cricket, while fast bowler Peter Francis arrives from Sydney after earning his NSW one-day debut last season following several dominant Premier Cricket campaigns.

Brisbane-born Nick Selman brings extensive first-class, List A and T20 experience from his time with Glamorgan, adding valuable experience to the batting group. With the ball, long-time PNG representative and proven Scorchers wicket-taker Chad Soper will again be a major threat, while former Sydney Thunder and NSW leg-spinner Toby Gray provides another high-quality option.

With experience and emerging talent across the squad, the Scorchers have all the pieces to make a serious finals push in 2026.

Players to watch:

Batter: Nick Selman

Bowler: Peter Francis

Norths:

Watch your windscreens, Josh Brown is back, and the explosive power-hitter is ready to set the KFC T20 Max alight in 2026. Few players strike fear into bowlers quite like Brown. Miss your mark, and chances are the ball is disappearing into or over the fence.

Norths title hopes don't rest solely on Brown's shoulders. Former Australian and Italy international Joe Burns returns to further strengthen an already formidable batting lineup, providing experience and class as the boys in blue chase KFC T20 Max glory.

With the ball, Norths possess an equally dangerous attack. Sam Skelly's pace and ability to generate breakthroughs will trouble batters throughout the competition, while New Zealand import Jake Gibson offers control and quality at the opposite end to form one of the tournament's most balanced pace combinations.

Norths will also enjoy the advantage of playing four of their six regular season fixtures at Ian Healy Oval. Familiar conditions and strong home support provide the perfect platform to build momentum early and create a daunting challenge for every visiting side.

Players to watch:

Batter: Josh Brown

Bowler: Sam Skelly

Ipswich:

Ipswich head into the 2026 KFC T20 Max with a talented squad capable of causing plenty of headaches for opposition sides. Brisbane Heat talent Jack Wood headlines the group, bringing explosive batting and valuable experience to an Ipswich lineup looking to make its mark.

Queensland representatives Charles Lachmund and Jem Ryan add further quality, while NSW recruit Riley Ayre and ACT's Michael McNamara bring valuable interstate experience. Romanian international Adrian Lascu provides another point of difference and strengthens an already well-rounded squad. The Sippel brothers, Joe and Tom, will once again play important roles, while Rowan and Sean Lutter add further depth and familiarity to the group.

With talent spread throughout the squad and plenty of match-winning potential, Ipswich have the pieces to challenge the competition's best and make a genuine push for the 2026 KFC T20 Max finals.

Players to watch:

Batter: Jack Wood

Bowler: Jem Ryan

 Wynnum-Manly:

After a disappointing KFC T20 Max campaign last season, Wynnum will be aiming for a much-improved performance in 2026. Captain Harmon Sandhu led from the front in last year's tournament, claiming 13 wickets at an impressive average of 16.15, and will be looking to produce another standout campaign. Left hand batsman and powerful striker Nick Hobson from the Perth Scorchers will line up for Wynnum to provide a strong point of difference through the middle overs, bringing valuable experience and firepower to the batting lineup.

Following a highly successful red-ball season, Wynnum will be eager to carry that momentum into the white-ball format as they look to climb the T20 Max standings. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Sandhu said, "T20 Max is an awesome way to kick off the season. It's a lot of fun and a great opportunity for everyone to challenge themselves against elite cricketers, with every team bringing in quality recruits."

Players to watch:

Batter: Ali Nasser

Bowler: Sukhveer Singh

 University of Queensland:

UQ may fly under the radar heading into the 2026 KFC T20 Max but underestimate them at your own risk. Led by captain Will Sanders, the side boasts a balanced mix of emerging talent, proven performers and Queensland representatives capable of matching it with the top sides.

The batting lineup is anchored by Queensland's Jack Clayton, whose consistency and ability to bat deep into an innings make him one of the competition's most reliable top-order players. Alongside him, fellow Queensland representative Angus Lovell adds further quality, while Alex Procopis and Max Clayton provide plenty of firepower to ensure UQ have the depth to post or chase imposing totals.

With the ball, UQ possess a versatile attack led by the likes of Charlie Henderson, Ben Gordon and Brayden Meegama, the bowling unit has the depth and variety to challenge even the strongest batting line-ups.

While they may not attract the same headlines as some of the competition's heavyweight clubs, UQ have quietly assembled a squad with genuine finals credentials. If their key players fire and the younger talent continue to develop, don't be surprised to see them emerge as one of the dark horses of the 2026 KFC T20 Max.

Players to watch:

Batter: Jack Clayton

Bowler: Brayden Meegama

Sandgate-Redcliffe:

Sandgate head into the 2026 KFC T20 Max with strong optimism, a squad packed with experience, star power and proven performers. With a blend of interstate recruits, Big Bash talent and Queensland Premier Cricket regulars, the Gators have all the ingredients to make a deep run this season.

The batting unit is led by Bryce Street, whose calmness and consistency at the top of the order provide the perfect platform. NSW recruit Brad Simpson and Victorian import Dylan Brasher add further quality, while Jet Liebke and Theo Tsingos bring the attacking flair capable of changing the course of a match in a matter of overs.

Sandgate's greatest strength, however, is its world-class bowling attack. Adelaide Strikers leg-spinner Cameron Boyce and Melbourne Stars magician Mitch Swepson form one of the most dangerous spin combinations in the tournament.

If Sandgate's stars deliver as expected, they'll be right in the mix for KFC T20 Max glory come finals time.

Players to watch:

Batter: Bryce Street

Bowler: Mitch Swepson

HOW TO WATCH

Seven has signed on for a second season as host broadcaster of the KFC T20 Max after streaming 17 matches live and free on 7plus Sport last season, with the men’s and women’s matches attracting a strong following.
 
Games will again be played under lights at Allan Border Field and Premier Grade grounds such as Ian Healy Oval (Norths).
 
There will be 15 matches in the male and female competitions broadcast on 7plus Sport, including Finals.

7plus Sport Coverage – 2026 KFC T20 Max 
19 Aug, 6:15pm (W) Sunshine Coast v University of Qld, Allan Border Field 
20 Aug, 6:15pm (W) Sandgate-Redcliffe v Wynnum Manly, Allan Border Field 
21 Aug, 3:00pm (W) University of Qld v Western Suburbs, Allan Border Field 
21 Aug, 6:30pm (M) University of Qld v Western Suburbs, Allan Border Field 
23 Aug, 6:00pm (M) Valley v Sunshine Coast, Ian Healy Oval 
25 Aug, 6:15pm (W) Valley v Gold Coast, Ian Healy Oval 
27 Aug, 6:15pm (M) Northern Suburbs v Wynnum Manly, Ian Healy Oval 
28 Aug, 6:15pm (M) Northern Suburbs v South Brisbane, Ian Healy Oval 
29 Aug, 9:30am (W) 2nd v 3rd, Ian Healy Oval 
29 Aug, 1:30pm (W) 1st v 4th, Ian Healy Oval 
30 Aug, 2:00pm (W) Winner Semi 1 v Winner Semi 2, Allan Border Field 
31 Aug, 6:15pm (M) Ipswich v Toombul, Allan Border Field 
1 Sep, 6:15pm (M) Gold Coast v Sandgate-Redcliffe, Allan Border Field 
4 Sep, 6:15pm (M) 1st v 4th, Allan Border Field 
5 Sep, 4:30pm (M) Winner Semi 1 v Winner Semi 2, Allan Border Field 
Live and free broadcast for all games 
 
All other matches will be livestreamed on YouTube and produced by FrogBox under its partnership with Queensland Cricket.
 
FrogBox will deliver multi-camera broadcast production for selected KFC T20 Max matches, combining operated and fixed cameras, live commentary, instant replays, automated score graphics and remote production to create a broadcast built for a major streaming platform.

The agreement marks FrogBox's seventh season as Official Streaming Partner of KFC Queensland Premier Cricket,
 
KFC T20 Max matches and scores can be found at:
 
Men: https://play.cricket.com.au/grade/1b94cf9c-d9d9-456b-b8d6-ffa4c4b7377b?tab=matches
Women: https://play.cricket.com.au/grade/62e8287d-3ab9-4b42-81fc-1124b3ae12e1?tab=matches
 
Live streams: https://www.youtube.com/@QueenslandCricketvideo/streams