New Delhi:The International Cricket Council has released the complete schedule for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament begins on February 7 and marks the event’s return to the subcontinent after ten years. Defending champions India will open their campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, the USA, Namibia and the Netherlands. One of the most anticipated fixtures of the event, the India–Pakistan match, is scheduled for February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. India’s remaining group-stage matches include encounters with Namibia on February 12 in Delhi and the Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad.
The tournament will be played across major venues in both host nations, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad in India, and Colombo and Kandy in Sri Lanka. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will stage the final on March 8. However, if Pakistan qualify for the title match, the final will be shifted to Colombo.
The opening day of the competition features Pakistan taking on the Netherlands in Colombo, followed by West Indies facing Bangladesh in Kolkata. The first day concludes with India’s clash against the USA in Mumbai. The schedule includes multiple double-header days, ensuring packed action throughout the group stage.
The event also features teams distributed across four groups. Group B includes Bangladesh, England, the West Indies, Nepal and Italy. Group C features Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman. Group D comprises South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE.
Matches have been allotted to stadiums with varying capacities, from the 1,32,000-seat venue in Ahmedabad to the more compact Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. With top teams spread across diverse pitches and conditions, the 2026 edition promises a competitive and high-intensity tournament.
As the countdown begins, excitement continues to build, particularly around the marquee India–Pakistan showdown and the possibility of a subcontinent-packed crowd witnessing another dramatic World Cup finale.
