As global cricket fans gear up for one of the sport’s biggest spectacles, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is shaping up to deliver high-stakes drama, fierce rivalries, and historic matchups.
With the tournament set to run from February 7 to March 8, early details reveal a power-packed event featuring 20 international teams, a high-voltage Pakistan–India clash, and a venue plan designed to maximize global attention.
The official schedule will be released on November 25, but anticipation is already soaring across the cricketing world.
The 2026 edition will feature 20 teams divided into four groups of five, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the Super Eight stage. From there, the best four sides will advance to the semifinals, setting the stage for the highly anticipated final.
According to media reports, arch-rivals Pakistan and India have been placed in the same group despite recent tensions surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup.
Their blockbuster showdown is expected to take place on February 15 in Colombo, making it one of the most awaited matches of the tournament. Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka.
Matches in India will be hosted across multiple major cities, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lanka will host games in Colombo and Kandy.
Ahmedabad has been designated as the venue for the final.
However, if Pakistan qualifies for the championship match, the final will be shifted to Colombo due to security and scheduling considerations.
The semifinals are scheduled to be held in Mumbai and Kolkata, but should Pakistan reach the final four, its semifinal will also be moved to Sri Lanka.
Proposed Group Structure:
Group 1: Pakistan, India, USA, Namibia, Netherlands
Group 2: Bangladesh, England, West Indies, Nepal, Italy
Group 3: Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman
Group 4: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
Teams will battle through the group stage, advance to the Super Eight, and ultimately compete for glory in the semifinals and final promising a thrilling and action-packed T20 World Cup 2026.
