The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially revealed the host cities for the highly anticipated 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, confirming India and Sri Lanka as joint hosts. Cricket fans are buzzing as Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai in India, along with Colombo and Kandy in Sri Lanka, are set to stage the global tournament. Notably, Bengaluru, a city renowned for its fervent cricket following, will not be hosting any matches this time around. The tournament is scheduled to kick off on February 7 and conclude on March 8, 2026.
The grand finale will be held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket ground, adding another significant chapter to India’s rich cricket history, especially following their impressive victory in the 2024 edition. This co-hosting arrangement with Sri Lanka has been a subject of much discussion, ensuring both nations share the spotlight. High-octane clashes are expected at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium and Kandy’s Pallekele International Stadium. A unique arrangement will see Pakistan play all their league matches in Sri Lanka, a move stemming from a bilateral agreement between the BCCI and PCB that aims to prevent the two arch-rivals from playing on each other’s soil. This agreement even extends to the final, potentially setting a precedent for a World Cup final being played outside the main host nation due to geopolitical sensitivities.
The 2026 T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams, mirroring the successful format of the previous edition. These teams will be divided into four groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super Eight stage. Subsequently, the best two teams from each Super Eight group will secure a spot in the semi-finals, building up to the ultimate championship clash.
Hosts India and Sri Lanka automatically qualify, joined by the top seven finishers from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Additionally, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, USA, and West Indies have secured their places. New Zealand, Pakistan, and Ireland qualified through T20I rankings, while regional qualifiers saw Canada, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman, and UAE earn their spots. Italy makes history with its maiden T20 World Cup qualification, a testament to cricket’s expanding global footprint.
Defending champions India will be aiming to retain their title on home soil. With a strong T20 squad and the potential presence of seasoned stars alongside emerging talent, India is poised to leverage home advantage. The prospect of the final being held in Ahmedabad adds an extra layer of excitement to their title defense, potentially setting new records for attendance and viewership.
The exclusion of Bengaluru from the host cities has sparked considerable discussion, given the city’s passionate fanbase and the vibrant atmosphere of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. While official reasons remain undisclosed, logistical and infrastructural factors are rumored to be the cause. Nevertheless, the chosen venues across both nations promise world-class cricketing action and an unforgettable experience for fans.
