The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the schedule for the 10th edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup, to be held from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Co‑hosts India and Sri Lanka will stage the tournament across eight iconic venues, including Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi), and Colombo in Sri Lanka.
This edition will see 20 teams, with Italy making its debut in an ICC event. Defending champions India aim to become the first team to retain the T20 crown. The tournament promises high drama, with traditional rivalries, emerging nations, and knockout clashes leading up to the grand finale in Ahmedabad.
India’s Fixtures
- Feb 7: India vs USA – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Feb 12: India vs Namibia – Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Feb 15: India vs Pakistan – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Feb 18: India vs Netherlands – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Tournament Highlights
- Opening Day (Feb 7): Six matches, including India vs USA.
- Semi‑finals: To be played in Mumbai and Kolkata; Colombo is an alternate venue.
- Final: Scheduled at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 8, 2026.
- Special Note: Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is in 2024, has been named ICC Brand Ambassador for the tournament.
Time Table (Selected Fixtures)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 7, 2026 | India vs USA | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Feb 7, 2026 | Opening matches (6 in total) | Multiple venues |
| Feb 12, 2026 | India vs Namibia | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Feb 15, 2026 | India vs Pakistan | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Feb 18, 2026 | India vs Netherlands | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Semi‑final 1 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Mar 7, 2026 | Semi‑final 2 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Mar 8, 2026 | Final | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
Why This World Cup Matters
- Expanded Format: 20 teams, including debutant Italy.
- Regional Pride: India and Sri Lanka co‑hosting strengthens South Asia’s cricketing influence.
- Historic Rivalries: India vs Pakistan on Feb 15 is expected to be the most watched match globally.
- Innovation: ICC is promoting fan engagement with digital platforms and ticket packages.