Mumbai, November 26: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially released the complete fixtures, venues, and group allocations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026. The announcement confirms 20 teams, 8 venues, and several high-voltage clashes including the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan group-stage encounter.
A 20-Team Global Format Returns
The 2026 edition follows the expanded model introduced in 2024, featuring 20 teams divided into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8, followed by semi-finals and the final.
ICC officials said the expanded structure aims to strengthen cricket’s global footprint, giving emerging nations a broader stage in a marquee event.Groups Announced: India and Pakistan Drawn Together
The official draw places India and Pakistan in Group A, setting up one of the sport’s most intense rivalries early in the championship.
Group A
India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia
Group B
Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
Group C
England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal
Group D
South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
This lineup promises a dynamic opening stage, with top-ranked teams sharing groups with fast-improving associate nations.
India’s Campaign Begins in Mumbai
India will open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on 7 February at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, facing debutant co-continental qualifiers USA.
But the match drawing global attention is set for 15 February, when India and Pakistan meet in Colombo, a venue chosen for its neutral setting and massive crowd capacity.
The clash is expected to be one of the world’s most-watched sporting events of the year.
Host Venues Across India and Sri Lanka
The tournament will be staged across eight major venues:
In India
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
In Sri Lanka
- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
- Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
Ahmedabad and Colombo are frontrunners to host the final on 8 March.
ICC Statement
ICC Chair Jay Shah said the 2026 edition will be “one of the most exciting and widely followed T20 World Cups ever,” adding that India and Sri Lanka provide “the perfect blend of passion, infrastructure, and fan culture.”
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta highlighted that the 20-team model “marks a transformative moment in T20 cricket’s global expansion.”
A Tournament Packed With Storylines
With England and West Indies meeting again in Group C, Australia and Sri Lanka renewing their rivalry in Group B, and South Africa and New Zealand sharing Group D, the event is set to deliver a month of intense cricket and unpredictable results.
For India, the spotlight will be on their bid to defend their 2024 T20 World Cup title and all eyes will be on whether they can repeat that miracle on home soil.
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