SPORTS DESK
DUBAI: The tentative match schedule for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026—set to be jointly organized by India and Sri Lanka—has surfaced ahead of the official announcement.
The mega event is likely to kick off in February and conclude on March 8. The finalized schedule is expected to be formally unveiled today at a ceremony in Mumbai.
One of the biggest talking points is the placement of Pakistan and India in the same group, setting up a high-voltage showdown on February 15 in Colombo. Pakistan is expected to play all of its group matches on Sri Lankan soil. The group also features Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.
For this year’s edition, 20 teams will be split into four groups of five. The top two sides from each group will move forward into the Super Eight phase. Those advancing will again be divided into two pools, from which the top two in each will contest the semi-finals.
Venues for the tournament will be spread across the two host nations. India will stage fixtures in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. Sri Lanka’s matches are planned for Colombo and Kandy. The title decider is currently scheduled for Ahmedabad—however, if Pakistan qualifies for the final, the venue will shift to Colombo. Similarly, while Mumbai and Kolkata are designated for the semi-finals, Pakistan’s participation at that stage would relocate the match to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has been grouped with Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman. Other groups will feature lineups including England, West Indies, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Italy; and South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, the UAE, and Canada.
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