India and Pakistan will face each other in next year’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 15 at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo as per the tournament schedule, which will be unveiled by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Mumbai on November 25. The marquee contest- the first time two teams have met since the heated Asia Cup game- is India’s third group-stage clash.

It has been reported that both these arch-rivals have been grouped along with the United States of America (USA), the Netherlands, and Namibia. India’s opening clash of the event will be against the USA on the opening day, February 08, before they take on Namibia on February 12, followed by Pakistan.

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The final group-stage encounter for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side will be on February 18 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad against the Netherlands. There will be three games a day during the group stage of the event, as it will be stretched to March 8, with the games in Sri Lanka being played in Colombo and Kandy.

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash to take place on February 15 in Colombo

The format is the same as the previous event in 2024 in the USA and West Indies, where the 20 teams were divided into five groups of four, with the top two teams from each of the four groups progressing into the Super Eight phase, where they will be further divided into two groups of four each. The top two will qualify for the semifinals, followed by the final.

If India progresses to the second stage, then their three Super Eight games will be played in Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, as the semi-final will be at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The ICC has shortlisted Colombo or Kolkata as the other semifinal venue, depending on the qualification.

India are the defending champions, having beaten South Africa in the final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Apart from the hosts, the other 18 teams participating in the World Cup are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the United States of America, the West Indies, New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman, and the UAE.

The T20 World Cup is getting closer, and the excitement is high. India, the defending champions, will host the tournament next year along with Sri Lanka. This has increased the anticipation even more.

According to reports, the 2026 T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams and take place from Saturday, February 7, to Sunday, March 8. All participating teams have been confirmed, including co-hosts India and Sri Lanka. Italy will make their debut in this edition.

India entered the tournament as the defending champions after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue ended a 17-year wait to lift the trophy. Before the T20 World Cup, India will play a T20I series against New Zealand, their final series before the major event.

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“With only 10 T20Is left before the T20 World Cup, you will not see many changes in the main squad unless someone is ruled out due to injury," a source recently told the BCCI.

India will play five T20Is against New Zealand in Nagpur (January 21), Raipur (January 23), Guwahati (January 25), Vizag (January 28), and Trivandrum (January 31).

The upcoming T20I series against South Africa will be the final chance for Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav to check a few players before the New Zealand series. This New Zealand series will work as a dress rehearsal ahead of the T20 World Cup. All eyes will be on the India vs Pakistan match, as both teams are likely to be placed in the same group despite political tensions.

T20 World Cup Schedule Announcement

The ICC has confirmed that the 2026 T20 World Cup schedule will be announced with the BCCI on Tuesday, November 25, in Mumbai. The event will start at 6:30 PM IST and will be attended by ICC Chairman Jay Shah.

Where to Watch the Announcement

The full schedule announcement will be live-streamed on JioHotstar.

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.

The renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has been shortlisted to host one of the semi-finals, while Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will host the opening clash and final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is likely to start from February 07 and end just more than a month later on March 8. Ahmedabad had hosted both the marquee games of the 2023 World Cup as well.

The reports of the Indian Express have reckoned that if there were a semi-final clash between India and Pakistan, then the encounter would take place in Colombo, while the second semi-final fixture will be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sri Lanka, being the co-host of the tournament, will feature in seven venues between the two countries.

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While Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad are likely to host the Indian leg of the tournament, Sri Lanka will use the three venues. It has been understood that apart from the Premadasa Stadium and Kandy stadium in Pallekele, one of Dambulla and Hambantota will be the host venues.

Wankhede Stadium to host T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal; Narendra Modi Stadium set for final

There is no clarity on the warm-up games. However, there are chances that Bengaluru might get a few warm-up fixtures. The Indian board is yet to decide whether they would host the warm-up games in the Centre of Excellence (CoE) or the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Blue Brigade is anticipated to play in major cities- Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Kolkata.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to announce the schedule in the upcoming few days. The meeting would be among the top BCCI officials. While the number of venues will be fewer for the 2023 World Cup, each venue is expected to get at least six games each.

The BCCI has made it clear that the Blue Brigade is going to face Pakistan only in Sri Lanka, according to the pre-signed agreement. Both the BCCI and the PCB agreed to play each other in the ICC events only in a neutral venue. The BCCI, as reported, has submitted the schedule to the ICC.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed a joint hosting arrangement between India and Sri Lanka for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, set to take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026. The tournament will feature 20 teams, following the same format as the 2024 edition, with matches divided between both host nations.

India’s Venues Finalised

According to early plans, five major Indian cities have been shortlisted to host matches:

• Ahmedabad
• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Chennai
• Mumbai

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket venue, is expected to host the final on March 8, provided Pakistan do not qualify for it.

Pakistan to Play Entirely in Sri Lanka

In a significant development, all of Pakistan’s matches will be played in Sri Lanka, in accordance with a mutual understanding between the BCCI and PCB to play at neutral venues during ICC events hosted by the other nation.

The Sri Lankan venues shortlisted for Pakistan’s matches include:

• Colombo
• Kandy
• third venue yet to be finalised

Should Pakistan advance to the final, the title clash will also be shifted to Colombo, instead of Ahmedabad, as per the ICC’s arrangement.

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Tournament Format & Qualified Teams

The 2026 edition will follow a 20-team structure with:

• 4 groups of 5 teams each
• Top 2 from each group qualifying for the Super 8s
• Followed by semi-finals and the final

Qualified Teams:

• Hosts: India, Sri Lanka
• Top 7 from 2024 T20 World Cup: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, USA, West Indies
• Ranking-based qualifiers: New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland

Regional qualifiers:

• Americas: Canada
• Europe: Italy (first-time participants), Netherlands
  • Africa: Namibia, Zimbabwe
  • Asia-EAP: Nepal, Oman, UAE

Defending Champions

India will enter the 2026 T20 World Cup as defending champions, having defeated South Africa in the 2024 final in Barbados. The ICC is expected to release the official schedule next week, following final venue inspections and discussions with both cricket boards.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to part ways with their head coach, Jonathan Trott, after the end of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. They announced the decision on Monday, stating that it would be a long-term strategic decision for the next phase of the national team’s growth. During his tenure, the Asian side earned incredible success in both white-ball formats of the game.

Afghanistan narrowly missed out on the chance to qualify for the semifinal of the 2023 World Cup, finishing sixth on the points table, having defeated some strong sides like England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in the competition. They were even more clinical in the T20 World Cup 2024, qualifying for the semifinal stage for the first time with victories over New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh.

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“It has been a privilege to work with the Afghanistan National Team and to witness their passion, resilience, and hunger to achieve greatness. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I will always remain a supporter of Afghan cricket. I wish the team and the Afghan people continued success in the years ahead.” Head coach Trott spoke on his tenure.

Jonathan Trott to end his Afghanistan head coach tenure post T20 World Cup 2026

Under Rashid Khan and Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan featured in the away ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe before shifting their focus to another series. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) CEO, Naseeb Khan, added that the decision has been part of the broader vision beyond 2026.

“Jonathan has played an important role in our journey, helping our players grow in confidence and compete against the world's strongest sides. As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, this transition is part of our broader plan to take Afghanistan cricket to its next level.”- The ACB CEO addressed.

“On behalf of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, I extend our sincere gratitude to Jonathan Trott for his dedicated service and the professionalism he brought to our national team. His efforts have supported a crucial period in the development of Afghanistan cricket, and we wish him every success in his future endeavors.” The ACB chairman, Mirwais Ashraf, shed light.

Nepal became one of the three teams, along with Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. They came into the tournament after a strong series victory in Sharjah against the West Indies by a 2-1 margin. They completed an unbeaten journey for the entire tournament with fabulous performances with the bat and ball.

After their last victory in Al Amerat Cricket Ground, one of Nepal's players came into the middle and picked up a wicket to hit the bails. It gives the impression of him playing the ‘guli-danda’ to celebrate their unbeaten run in the event. The other players also gathered around him and enjoyed the moment.

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Nepal started the competition comfortably with a 58-run win against Kuwait. They batted first to post 141/7 in their allotted 20 overs, with their opening batter, Kushal Bhurtel, smashing 66 runs in 56 balls at a strike rate of 117.86, with the help of three boundaries and three over boundaries. In reply, Kuwait got bundled out for 83 runs in 18.1 overs.

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In the second fixture of the tournament, Nepal did a great job by keeping Japan to 131 runs in their first innings. Both Sandeep Lamichhane and Gulsan Jha picked up two wickets each in the first innings. All of their batters chipped in with small contributions to complete the chase by five wickets with two overs to spare.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nepal, in their third encounter, recorded 147/9 in the first innings. Their captain, Rohit Paudel, nailed 58 runs in 41 balls at a strike rate of 141.76 with the help of seven boundaries and one six. In the bowling department, Sandeep’s five wickets in the second innings scripted their close victory.

Against Samoa, half-centuries from Aasif Shiekh and Dipendra Singh pushed them to 211 in the first innings. Lokesh Bam nailed an unbeaten 39 runs in 12 balls at a strike rate of 325. They will aim to continue the same progress during the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

After the end of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, the focus will shift to the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, which, according to the reports, is expected to be played between February 07 and March 08. The event will be co-hosted, as Pakistan will play all of its clashes in Sri Lanka due to the mutual agreement between the two countries on the political relationships.

The games will be played in at least five venues in India and two in Sri Lanka. The final is expected to be hosted by the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad unless Pakistan qualifies for the round. India and Pakistan are likely to meet each other in Colombo as the ICC is still trying to finalize the potential schedule for the competition.

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India, which won the last edition under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will look to defend their title. It will also be the first ICC event in a decade that the Blue Brigade will play without Rohit and Virat Kohli, both of whom retired from the shortest format after the final in Barbados.

T20 World Cup 2026 likely to take place between February 07 and March 08

The format will be the same as the last edition in the West Indies and the USA, where 20 sides were divided into four groups of five each, with the top two from each group qualifying to the Super Eight stage, where once again the eight sides were divided into two groups of four. The two top sides from both groups will progress to the semis.

At present, 15 teams have already been confirmed for the event, including the two co-hosts, Pakistan, Australia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, USA, West Indies, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, Netherlands, and Italy, who have made their first qualification for a World Cup.

India will feel the pressure with arrangements on the dates and venues for the upcoming Women’s Premier League. The BCCI has earmarked a window between early January and early February before they look to host the IPL, with the tentative window between March 15 and May 31. They will also host the Kiwis for ODIs and T20Is from January 11 to 31.

The upcoming Asia Cup 2025 is knocking on the door with just a couple of weeks to go. Amidst the preparations, the former World Cup-winning captain, MS Dhoni, has reportedly been asked to take up the mentor role. The veteran contributed in the same position during the T20 World Cup 2021 in the United Arab Emirates and is likely to be part of the Blue Brigade in India and Sri Lanka.

The defending champions, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and the current vice-captaincy of Shubman Gill, will look to claim the Asia Cup to continue the same flow and rhythm of the shortest format. They had been excellent since the last T20 World Cup-winning campaign at home and away.

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“I don’t comment on speculations.” A report of Sports Tak revealed, as quoted by the official of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), who are looking forward to finding a new sponsor of the Blue Brigade before the multi-nation competition.

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The tournament will begin on September 09, while India will start their campaign on the following day against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. They are in the same group alongside Pakistan and Hong Kong. If they and the Green Brigade qualify for the Super Fours, a third meeting is possible on the cards between the two nations.

“We are trying our best. It's not just the Asia Cup but a full cycle of three years. It will be in the public domain soon, but the chances of completing it in time, just before the Asia Cup, are slim. We are working on it. Let's see what happens.” The report suggested, as the BCCI official quoted.

India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025: 

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

Standby players- Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Glenn Maxwell, who got the chance to open the batting for Australia during the T20I series against the West Indies, expects him to be back in the lower order when Travis Head returns to the side against South Africa in August as they aim to fix their line-up for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. 

Maxwell was shifted to open for the fourth time in the shortest format. In the first game, he batted at number five, one slot lower than his regular number four position. While opening the batting, he smashed 145* and 66 on the previous occasions. Generally, the plan for Australia to open with him was to attack the spinner, who didn’t play a huge role at the tiny Warner Park.

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‘It's been great fun being at the top, but I'm sure I'm just warming Heady's seat until he comes back. I think the way we're probably going to set up our T20 side heading forward is you've got Travis up the top; you've got Mitch Marsh who is captaining us brilliantly at the moment.’ Maxwell expressed as ESPNcricinfo’s report.

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In the opening two games, the all-rounder bashed 12 off 10 and 20 off seven balls at the Sabina Park in Jamaica before drilling 47 off 18 in St. Kitts. His record at number four is exceptional, with four T20I centuries in that position, with the best performances for him coming in the franchise cricket at number six over the past eight months.

‘They're three pretty big blokes with big reach, and they hit the ball an absolute mile, so it's great to have those guys with that extra bit of power in the middle-order. It's not something we've had an abundance of over the years, and to have that at our disposal at the moment is pretty exciting.’ Maxwell shed light.

He is nearing 37 and three years on from his jaw-dropping effort of the double century against Afghanistan in Mumbai during the ODI World Cup. But he still provides the best fielding performance for the national side as he added, ‘It's something I pride myself on, making sure that I can create opportunities on the boundary line.’