The tentative schedule for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has been unveiled, with the tournament likely to take place from early February to March 8.
According to sources, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to officially announce the schedule today during a ceremony in Mumbai. This will be the first time India and Sri Lanka jointly host the flagship T20 event.
One of the tournament’s biggest highlights will be the much-anticipated Pakistan-India encounter, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Pakistan will play all of its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka. Their group also features the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands.
A total of 20 teams will participate, divided into four groups of five. As per the current format, the top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage. The eight qualifiers will then be split into two groups, with the top two from each advancing to the semi-finals.
In India, matches are set to be hosted in Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lanka will stage games in Colombo and Kandy. The final is scheduled for Ahmedabad, but if Pakistan qualifies for the title match, the venue will shift to Colombo. Similarly, Mumbai and Kolkata are designated as semi-final venues; however, Pakistan’s semi-final—if they reach the stage—will also be relocated to Colombo.
Sri Lanka have been placed in a group with Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman. Other groups include England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Italy, while South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, and Canada form another competitive lineup.
