The wait is finally over. ICC has announced the schedule for next year’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will run through February and March. The tournament begins on 7 February, and the final is scheduled for 8 March. Due to the hybrid model, this World Cup will have a special arrangement: Pakistan will not play in India, and all their matches will be held at Sri Lankan venues.
বিশ্বকাপে ভারত থেকে বঞ্চিত বাংলা, এমন কি ঘটল?
India will begin their campaign on 7 February in Mumbai, playing against the USA. The most high-profile clash — India vs Pakistan — will be held on 15 February, not in India but in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Under the hybrid model, all of Pakistan’s matches, including a potential semifinal, will be hosted in Sri Lanka. If India and Pakistan both reach the final, that match too will be held at a neutral venue.
However, one major surprise is that Kolkata’s Eden Gardens did not get a single India match in the group stage. This has already triggered political debates and discussions.
Is the Group Stage Easy for Suryakumar Yadav’s Team?
India has been placed in a relatively easy group. Apart from Pakistan, their group includes the Netherlands, Namibia, and the USA.
India vs USA – 7 February, Mumbai
India vs Namibia – 12 February, Delhi
India vs Netherlands – 18 February, Ahmedabad
World Cup Venues
Although World Cups generally have eight venues, due to the hybrid model, eight venues have been shared between India and Sri Lanka.
India’s five venues: Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi
Sri Lanka’s three venues: Colombo, Kandy, Galle
Group Distribution
Group A: India, Pakistan, Netherlands, Namibia, USA
Group B: Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy
Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, Canada