The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday released the full schedule for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, confirming that arch-rivals Pakistan and India will clash on February 15 in Colombo, a marquee matchup expected to headline the tournament’s group stage.
The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and will feature 20 participating teams competing across four groups.
Pakistan, India Drawn Together in Group A
Pakistan and India have once again been placed in the same opening-round group, joined by the United States, Namibia and the Netherlands. Pakistan will play all group matches in Sri Lanka, beginning their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.
India will open the entire tournament the same day with a matchup against the United States in Mumbai.
Final Venue Depends on Pakistan’s Progress
The ICC confirmed that the final will be staged either in Ahmedabad or Colombo, with the venue selection dependent on Pakistan’s qualification — an arrangement shaped by the absence of bilateral cricket between the two neighbours due to political tensions.
Four Groups, Super Eight Format Returns
The tournament structure divides the 20 teams into four groups of five. The top two sides from each group will reach the Super Eight, split further into two pools of four. The leading teams from each Super Eight group will progress to the semi-finals scheduled for March 4 and March 5.
Sri Lanka Drawn in a Tough Group
Co-hosts Sri Lanka have been placed in a challenging Group B alongside Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman.
Group C features England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy and Nepal, while Group D includes South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, the UAE and Canada.
India enter the tournament as defending champions after their dramatic victory over South Africa in the 2024 final held in Barbados.
A full day-by-day schedule for the group stage, Super Eight and knockout stages has been outlined by the ICC, with matches spread across Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kandy, Colombo and other major venues.
