No T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal in India? ICC changes schedule in middle of competition

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a leaf out of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to change the venue in the middle of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. In the new trend, co-hosts Sri Lanka could feature in a home semifinal, if they make it to that stage, depending on who they play against and who else qualifies for that spot. The ICC has changed its original schedule and the playing conditions.

If Sri Lanka is drawn to meet anyone apart from India, and if Pakistan doesn’t make it to the semifinal, then the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will host that semifinal contest. The ICC has confirmed the semifinals logistics to all the stakeholders after the Super-Eight teams were confirmed last week.

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“Semi-final 1 is a floating arrangement with the match to be held in either Colombo or Kolkata. If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in semi-final 1 in Colombo on 4 March. If Pakistan does not qualify for the semi-finals, but Sri Lanka does qualify and play anyone other than India, then Sri Lanka will play in semi-final 1 in Colombo.” The ICC released a statement.

R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo could host T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal

That marks a change to the schedule that was announced in November, which made the provision only for Pakistan to play their semifinal and final in Sri Lanka, but made no mention of what would happen if the Dasun Shanaka-led side reached the knockouts.

“If Pakistan qualifies for the semi-finals, Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium will replace Kolkata as the host of Semi-Final 1. Should Pakistan reach the final, that venue will also shift from Ahmedabad to Colombo. If India and Pakistan meet in the semi-finals, that match will be staged in Colombo, while Mumbai will host Semi-Final 2 involving India if they face any team other than Pakistan.” The old press release is addressed.

Notably, both the co-hosts have lost their opening clashes of the Super 8 stage. Sri Lanka were blown away in Kandy against England, while India fell flat against South Africa in Ahmedabad. The Blue Brigade finds itself on thin ice in that order of qualification.