T20 World Cup 2026 Venues Finalized: Mumbai and Ahmedabad Get Marquee Matches
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to announce the official schedule for the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2026, and key details have emerged about the prestigious venues that will host the tournament's biggest clashes. According to information accessed by The Indian Express, the tournament is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, 2026, and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium Retains Crown for Opener and Final
In a move that mirrors the structure of the 2023 ODI World Cup, the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is once again slated to host both the tournament opener and the grand final. The stadium, the world's largest cricket ground, will kickstart the global event on February 7 and bring the curtains down on what promises to be a thrilling competition on March 8. This decision underscores Ahmedabad's growing status as a premier venue for ICC's flagship events.
Wankhede Stadium Shortlisted for High-Octane Semi-Final
Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium has been shortlisted to host one of the two semi-finals of the tournament. Known for its electrifying atmosphere and batting-friendly pitch, the Wankhede is a fitting venue for a high-stakes knockout match. However, a major contingency plan is in place for the most anticipated clash in world cricket.
In the event of a semi-final between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, the match will be moved to Colombo, Sri Lanka. This pre-emptive decision is part of an agreement between the cricket boards of both nations. Should this scenario unfold, the second semi-final would then be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Tournament Structure and Host Cities
The 2026 edition will be played across a total of seven venues in India and Sri Lanka. The Indian leg of the tournament is expected to be hosted in five major cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. In a shift from the 2023 World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to use fewer cities, with each selected venue likely to host at least six matches to ensure a packed schedule.
Sri Lanka, as co-hosts, will utilize three venues. The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium are confirmed, with a decision pending between Dambulla and Hambantota for the third location. The ICC has stipulated that if Sri Lanka qualifies for the semi-finals, their match will be played in Colombo.
The status of Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium remains uncertain due to a lack of safety clearance following a stampede incident during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. While it might host a few warm-up games, a final decision is pending on whether these matches will be held at the stadium or at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. Similarly, there is no clarity on the inclusion of Lucknow as a host city.
In another significant detail, the BCCI has decided that venues which hosted the recent ICC Women's ODI World Cup—Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Indore, and Navi Mumbai—will not be considered for the men's tournament.
The BCCI has submitted the proposed schedule to the ICC, and an official announcement with the complete fixture list is expected in the coming days, setting the stage for a cricketing extravaganza across the subcontinent.
