Web Desk: The International Cricket Council announced the schedule for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Mumbai on Wednesday, with India and Sri Lanka preparing to jointly host the event from Feb. 7 to March 8.
According reports, traditional rivals India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group and are set to meet on Feb. 15 in Colombo in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most-watched fixtures.
India, Pakistan Drawn in Group A
Both teams feature in Group A alongside the United States, Namibia and the Netherlands. India is expected to open its World Cup campaign on Feb. 8 against the United States at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The team will then play Namibia in New Delhi on Feb. 12 before travelling to Colombo for the high-stakes clash against Pakistan. India’s final group match is slated for Feb. 18 against the Netherlands in Mumbai.
Super 8s and Knockout Stage
The Super 8 round will be staged across Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata. If India qualifies for the semifinals, its knockout match will be played in Mumbai. Colombo is scheduled to host the first semifinal on March 4.
The final is planned for March 8 in Ahmedabad. However, reports suggest the venue could shift to Colombo if Pakistan advances to the title match.
Twenty Nations to Compete
Besides co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, 18 other teams will compete in the tournament: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the United States, West Indies, New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
India enters the competition as defending champions after beating South Africa in the 2024 final.
Read more: Pakistan to play all ICC T20 WC matches in Sri Lanka
