The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on February 7, with matches distributed between India and Sri Lanka until the final on March 8, according to reports detailing the schedule. This tenth edition of the global tournament will feature 54 matches, maintaining the 20-team configuration established in the previous tournament cycle.
Notably, the roster saw a late alteration after Bangladesh was excluded following a dispute regarding travel logistics to India over security assurances. Scotland secured the vacant slot, as detailed by the ICC, reflecting ongoing geopolitical sensitivities that can influence sporting participation.
The competition format involves 20 participating nations divided into four groups of five teams each for the initial round-robin stage. The top two finishers from each of these preliminary groups will advance to the Super 8 phase.
In the Super 8 stage, the eight qualifying teams will reorganize into two groups of four, battling for placement in the knockout rounds. The two leading sides from each Super 8 bracket will then proceed to the semifinals, setting the stage for the championship match.
Venue allocation confirms that five stadiums in India and three in Sri Lanka will stage the fixtures, with the ICC confirming most locations barring one semifinal and the final match. For instance, if Pakistan advances, their semifinal is slated for March 4 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Specific opening matches highlight the cross-border hosting arrangement, with fixtures scheduled across major cricket grounds such as Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The India versus Pakistan clash is scheduled for the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Broader economic implications arise from hosting a global sporting event of this magnitude across two nations, involving significant logistical coordination and tourism inflows. The confirmed schedule provides clarity for sponsors and broadcast partners structuring their investments across the subcontinent.
Attention now shifts to the performance metrics within the Super 8 groups, which will determine the final playoff seeding, culminating in a final potentially hosted at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad or R Premadasa Stadium, as noted in the schedule release.
