India and Sri Lanka, the joint hosts for the T20 World Cup 2026 in February-March, appear to have received different draws. The top-ranked side and the defending champion are expected to find an easier group in comparison to the 2014 champions. The Island nation, which is ranked eighth in the ICC ranking, is grouped with three full-member Test nations- Australia, Zimbabwe, and Ireland, along with Oman. 

It could be a group of death, while on the other hand, India and Pakistan are the two Test-playing nations in their bracket, alongside the Netherlands, Namibia, and the United States of America, completing the five-team lineup. With two sides qualifying for the Super Eight stage, it could be a straightforward route.

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There are four groups of five teams each, and it could come to a case of many tough groups in the preliminary stage. England and the West Indies, the former champions, are drawn along with Bangladesh, a full member and formidable side in the subcontinent conditions, as they have Nepal and Italy, the 28th-ranked in the world.

India and Pakistan grouped together for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

The runners-up from the last edition, South Africa, are also in a tough group as they have two hard oppositions- New Zealand and Afghanistan, who would be a hard competitor in Asian conditions. They will, however, have two easy games against the United Arab Emirates and Canada for the February 07- March 08 championship.

India is going to open their campaign against the USA, followed by the league fixtures against Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. As per the previously completed mutual agreement, their clash against Pakistan will take place in a neutral venue- Colombo. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the final unless Pakistan qualifies.

Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi will be the four other cities to host the games in India. In Sri Lanka, Kandy will be a venue in addition to the two other grounds in Colombo. The ICC will unveil the draw in Mumbai on November 25.