In a significant development, Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka, as per a mutual agreement between the ICC, the BCCI, and the PCB. This decision stems from the ongoing diplomatic and security concerns between India and Pakistan
Team India players celebrate at Wankhede stadium after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup trophy (Pic: PTI)
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is set to take place from February 7 to March 8, with matches scheduled across at least five venues in India and two in Sri Lanka, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. While the official schedule is yet to be finalized, the ICC has identified the tournament window and shared it with member boards.
In a significant development, Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka, as per a mutual agreement between the ICC, the BCCI, and the PCB. This decision stems from the ongoing diplomatic and security concerns between India and Pakistan. As a result, Pakistan’s group-stage fixtures and potential knockout games will be hosted exclusively on Sri Lankan soil.
The tournament final is expected to be held in either Ahmedabad or Colombo, depending on where Pakistan finish in the competition. Should Pakistan qualify for the final, Colombo is likely to be the preferred venue to accommodate their participation. If not, Ahmedabad is expected to host the high-profile showdown.
The format for the 2026 edition will mirror that of the 2024 T20 World Cup held in the USA and West Indies. A total of 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super Eight stage, followed by the semi-finals and final.
So far, 15 teams have already secured qualification for the tournament:
- India (defending champions)
- Australia
- England
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Ireland
- West Indies
- USA
- Canada
- Netherlands
- Italy (qualifying for the first time in history)
The inclusion of Italy marks a historic milestone, as the European side makes its debut in a senior ICC men’s event.
The remaining five spots will be filled through regional qualification tournaments:
- Two teams from the Africa Qualifier
- Three teams from the Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers
The 2026 edition will be the ninth T20 World Cup and the second instance of the tournament featuring 20 teams, following the expanded format introduced in 2024.
(With PTI inputs)
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