ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule date confirmed. Check IND vs PAK start date
The much-awaited ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. A total of 20 teams will participate in this marquee tournament, which will be played at five stadiums in India and three stadiums in Sri Lanka. As per reports, the ICC is set to release the World Cup schedule on November 25.
If some reports are to be believed, the draw and schedule of the World Cup are completely ready, and now only its official announcement is left. Twenty teams have been divided into four groups. According to reports, defending champions and hosts India have been placed with arch-rivals Pakistan, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. India and Pakistan should qualify for the next round from their group; however, they must be cautious of teams like the USA and the Netherlands, who can beat any team on their day. Especially Pakistan, which lost to the USA in the 2024 World Cup and suffered a shocking exit from the group stage.
The second group features co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman. The third group features England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Italy, while the last group features runners-up South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, the UAE, and Canada. Groups B, C, and D look more competitive than Group A. At least three teams in each of these three groups are likely to qualify for the next round.
The Indian Team will play their opening World Cup match against the United States of America, followed by Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. As per reports, the much-awaited India vs Pakistan match might happen on February 15.
This will mark the 10th edition of the ICC T20 World Cup. Historically, India (2007 & 2024), the West Indies (2012 & 2016), and England (2010 & 2022) have been regarded as the most successful teams in this marquee event, with two titles. Apart from that, Pakistan (2009), Sri Lanka (2014), and Australia (2021) also clinched one title. Last time, the tournament was hosted by the West Indies and the USA in 2024, which India won. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 undefeated. Now, the Indian T20I side is playing under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy, and they will have a great chance to defend their title on their home soil.
Each team will play 4 matches during the group stage. The top two teams from each group will advance on to the Super Eight stage. From here, once again, all 8 qualified teams will be divided into two groups. The top two teams from the Super Eight will advance to the semi-finals. The winners of both semi-finals will compete with each other for the title in the finals.
The final will be held at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad, on March 8. The two semi-finals will be held at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. If Pakistan advances to the semi-finals and finals, the matches will move to Sri Lanka. Due to the agreement between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan cricket team will not come to India for the World Cup and will play all its matches in Sri Lanka. If Pakistan advances to the knockouts and finals, matches will move to Sri Lanka.
Venues
The World Cup matches will be held at Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai in India and two international stadiums in Colombo and Kandy, Sri Lanka. These cities in India and Sri Lanka will host 55 games at the World Cup, including 40 group stage games, 12 super eight games, two semifinals, and a final.
