New Delhi: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with the tournament scheduled to take place between February and March 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed. The event will feature 20 international teams competing across 55 matches at eight venues in the two host nations.
This edition marks the first time India and Sri Lanka will co-host the men’s T20 World Cup, returning the tournament to South Asia after the 2016 edition.
Tournament Format
The competition will follow the ICC’s expanded format:
- 20 teams divided into four groups of five
- Each team will play four group-stage matches
- Top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage
- The Super Eight will be followed by two semi-finals and the final
The ICC has stated that the knockout stage venues will be confirmed closer to the tournament, depending on team qualifications and logistical requirements.
Venues in India
Five established international stadiums across India will host matches:
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
These venues will stage group matches, Super Eight fixtures, and selected knockout games.
Venues in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will host matches at three international grounds:
- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
- Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
Sri Lanka is expected to host a full group during the initial phase along with additional Super Eight matches.
Hosting Arrangement
India will host a majority of the fixtures, reflecting its larger stadium capacities and broadcast infrastructure. Sri Lanka’s venues will play a key role in maintaining competitive balance and regional representation during the group stage.
The ICC has indicated that venue allocations for high-profile matches and knockout games may remain flexible until the tournament progresses.
Final and Knockout Stage
The final is scheduled for early March 2026, with semi-finals planned in the days leading up to it. The ICC will announce confirmed dates, match timings, and venue assignments in the final schedule release.
Key Details at a Glance
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Hosts: India and Sri Lanka
- Dates: February–March 2026
- Teams: 20
- Matches: 55
- Venues: 8
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to draw significant global attention, with South Asia once again hosting one of cricket’s most commercially and competitively important tournaments.
The ICC will publish the final match schedule and team-wise fixtures through official announcements closer to the start of the tournament.
