T20 World Cup 2026: After successfully hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2025, the International Cricket Council is getting ready for another big event. The T20 World Cup 2026 will be played in India and Sri Lanka, but this time, matches will return to top-tier stadiums instead of the smaller venues used for the women’s tournament.
The competition is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, with 20 teams taking part for the second edition in a row. India, which lifted the 2024 trophy after a seven-wicket win over South Africa, will be aiming to defend their title in front of home fans.
Who’s Playing in the T20 World Cup 2026?
The co-hosts, India and Sri Lanka, are already assured of their places. They’ll be joined by the seven highest-ranked teams from the 2024 edition: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the United States, and the West Indies.
Ireland, New Zealand, and Pakistan have qualified based on their T20I rankings. The remaining countries made it through the regional qualifiers. Canada topped the Americas route, while Italy and the Netherlands advanced from Europe.
Namibia and Zimbabwe secured spots from the Africa region. The final places were claimed by Oman, Nepal, and the UAE through the combined Asia and East Asia-Pacific pathway.
T20 World Cup 2026: India vs Pakistan Set for Colombo
According to a report from RevSportz, India will start their campaign against the United States. The report also says the much-talked-about India-Pakistan clash is expected to be held on February 15 in Colombo.
“India will open their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA, while their match against Pakistan is likely on February 15 in Colombo,” the report read.
“As per the tentative schedule, the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will be played from February 7 to March 8.”
These matches are always huge draws, with fans across both nations tuning in thanks to the history and excitement surrounding the rivalry.
Big Venues Lined Up for Knockout Matches
Mumbai and Ahmedabad are expected to host the major knockout games. Reports suggest Mumbai may stage one of the semi-finals, while the final could be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8.
Colombo might get to host a semi-final, but only if Sri Lanka or Pakistan make it into the top four. It will also stay as a backup venue in case Pakistan reaches the final.
This will be India’s first major ICC men’s tournament on home soil since the 2023 ODI World Cup, which featured matches across nine cities, including Ahmedabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Under the current ICC rights cycle, India and Pakistan meet only at neutral venues in multi-nation tournaments. The complete schedule for the T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to be announced soon.
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