The International Cricket Council has officially unveiled the complete schedule for the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2026, setting the stage for a thrilling cricket extravaganza across India and Sri Lanka.
Tournament Dates and Host Nations Confirmed
Cricket fans worldwide can mark their calendars as the global tournament is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, 2026. This will be the tenth edition of the T20 World Cup, featuring an expanded format with twenty competing nations battling for cricket supremacy.
The joint hosting arrangement between India and Sri Lanka promises to bring diverse cricketing cultures together, creating an electrifying atmosphere across multiple iconic venues in both countries.
Complete Group Stage Breakdown
The ICC has announced four competitive groups that feature a mix of established cricketing powerhouses and emerging nations:
Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia
Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
One of the most significant announcements concerns Pakistan's schedule, with the team set to play all their matches in Sri Lanka, adding an interesting dynamic to the tournament structure.
Venues Across India and Sri Lanka
Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to matches across multiple world-class stadiums in both host nations. The Indian venues include Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai - all cities with rich cricketing histories and passionate fan bases.
Sri Lanka will host matches in Colombo at both the R. Premadasa Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, along with matches in the picturesque city of Kandy, known for its vibrant cricket culture.
The announcement made on Tuesday has generated tremendous excitement among cricket administrators, players, and fans alike, setting the countdown for what promises to be one of the most memorable T20 World Cup tournaments in history.