India made history by winning their second consecutive ICC Men's T20 World Cup title and their third overall after defeating New Zealand in the 2026 final. India became the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title successfully while achieving their first World Cup victory on home territory.

Shivam Dube performed unexpected actions which attracted public attention at the Narendra Modi Stadium where the Indian team celebrated their historic victory. Dube, who is 32 years old, took a train to Mumbai after the stadium filled with fans chanting his name.

Dube chose to travel by train because all flights from Ahmedabad to Mumbai were fully booked after the final match. Dube and his wife Anjum together with a friend purchased tickets for the AC 3-tier coach of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Sayaji Express. The all-rounder wanted to go home to see his four-year-old son Ayaan and two-year-old daughter Mehwish.

Dube created a travel plan to protect his identity from fans who might recognize him. He used a cap and mask together with a full-sleeved T-shirt to conceal his identity while he boarded the train. Dube remained in his car until five minutes before the 5:10 AM train departure time when he ran to the platform to enter the coach.

ALSO SEE: BCCI announces date and venue for IPL 2026 captains' photoshoot

Shivam Dube’s secret train ride ends smoothly in Mumbai

The cricketer entered the room and went to the top berth to cover his body with a railway blanket which made him invisible. At one point, even the ticket checker passed by without recognising him, thanks to his disguise. Dube later confessed that he felt anxious about being detected when he left the train at the Mumbai station.

Dube needed police help at the station exit because he wanted to avoid the chaos of the main area but his exit path led to two police officers who remained at that spot. The Indian all-rounder who finished the tournament successfully completed his train journey which ended in an unexpected way.

Dube helped India win the championship by scoring 235 runs across the tournament with a batting average of 39 and a strike rate of 169 which included his vital final match performance that allowed India to achieve a score above 250 runs.

In the Final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, hosts and defending champions India started dominantly against New Zealand, as the Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson thrashed the entire Blackcaps bowling line-up. 

Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is hosting the final match of the tournament on Sunday night (March 8), where New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to field first. While the Indian batters Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are in dream form with their bat, the opener Abhishek Sharma has mostly struggled in the tournament.  

Watch: Sanju Samson & Abhishek Sharma smash Jacob Duffy for 15-run over in IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 final

Abhishek Sharma slammed 18-ball fifty in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final

However, the team management has put enough faith in the players, which have produced strong results for the Men in Blue. Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson provided a thunderous start for India, as the hosts and defending champions India scored 92/0 at the end of the powerplay 

While Sanju scored 33 runs, Abhishek completed his half-century in just 18 balls. Indian openers secured 12 runs at the end of the first two overs of the match, but then they thrashed 80 runs in the next four overs of the powerplay, striking 20 runs per over in that period.  

Watch the videos of powerful starts by Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson

The following videos give some ideas on how the Indian openers dominated with the bat from the early period of the innings.  

Launched into the stands! 🙌6️⃣

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have got Team India off to a strong start! 🔥

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | FINAL | #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/Tz1DBSb4nT pic.twitter.com/pyALmdt7fQ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

CHETTA POWER! 💪

Outrageous six from Sanju Samson as 21 runs came off Matt Henry's over! 🥶

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | FINAL | #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/Tz1DBSb4nT pic.twitter.com/LGg4snOIuP

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

Cometh the hour, cometh the man! 😍

Abhishek Sharma brings up his fifty in just 18 balls, fastest of the tournament! 💪

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | FINAL | #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/Tz1DBSb4nT pic.twitter.com/mcmGhlxJxe

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 8, 2026

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final is set to start as New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to field first after winning the toss. There is a big question for the Indian squad whether the Indian leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy is in India's playing XI or not.

Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is hosting the India vs New Zealand match in the Final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday night (March 8). The winner of the match will lift the trophy, which is the main goal for every team in the tournament that is running for a month. 

In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, India have surprisingly two weak links, opener Abhishek Sharma and the leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy. However, it was much clearer that Men in Blue will hardly change the opening partners, as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson will remain favourites to open for India in the Final. 

See Also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Final - IND vs ENG: Toss Update and Playing XI

Varun Chakravarthy is struggling despite taking regular wickets

However, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hardly brings anything strong for the spinners, and out-of-touch Varun Chakravarthy may be a concern for the Indian team. Despite being the no.1 T20I-ranked bowler, the 34-year-old spinner is struggling to control the game. Although he is the joint leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 13 wickets, his economy rate is a concern, which is 8.85. 

Despite his struggle, Varun has managed to take at least one wicket in every match of the tournament. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final: Varun Chakravarthy is in Indian playing XI

At the toss of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final, while New Zealand decided to bat first, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed an unchanged squad. So, Varun Chakravarthy is clearly playing the match.

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Final has been set with the India vs New Zealand match, which the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is hosting on Sunday night (March 8). 

In the group stage of the tournament, hosts and defending champions India were the Group A champions, while New Zealand were the Group D runners-up. Men in Blues won all four matches of their group (USA, Namibia, Pakistan, and Netherlands), while the Blackcaps lost against South Africa but comfortably won other group stage fixtures against UAE, Afghanistan, and Canada. 

Later, in the Super Eights, India finished as Group 1 runners-up, where they lost against South Africa before defeating Zimbabwe and the West Indies. On the other hand, New Zealand were in Group 2, where they finished as runners-up after a washout against Pakistan, a victory against Sri Lanka, and a thrilling defeat against England. 

In the first Semi-final, New Zealand thrashed South Africa by nine wickets. Later, in the second Semi-final, India claimed a seven-run victory in the high-scoring thriller against England. 

See Also: India vs New Zealand rivalry achieves rare ICC finals milestone

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Final - IND vs NZ: Toss Update

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bowl first. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Final - IND vs NZ: Playing XIs

New Zealand made one change in the playing XI. Jacob Duffy has replaced Cole McConchie for the match. 

New Zealand playing XI

The women members of the India national cricket team showed their support for the India national cricket team during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final match against New Zealand which will take place at Narendra Modi Stadium. 

The Indian men’s side, led by Suryakumar Yadav through its upcoming final match, will achieve multiple historic achievements. A victory would make India the first host nation to win the T20 World Cup, the first team to defend the title, and also the first side to lift the trophy three times in the tournament’s history.

The women’s team sent their supportive message to the men’s team through a video which the Board of Control for Cricket in India shared on its social media platforms before the final match. The video showed head coach Amol Muzumdar with players Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana who all wished the men’s team success in their upcoming important match. 

Watch the video:

WOMEN'S TEAM WISHING MEN'S TEAM FOR T20 WC FINAL 🥹♥️ pic.twitter.com/dpoXKztVvU

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 8, 2026

Muzumdar predicted the Narendra Modi Stadium would create an extraordinary atmosphere for the match while he showed his belief that his team would succeed. Deepti Sharma encouraged the squad by saying the entire women’s team is backing the “Men in Blue,” while Jemimah Rodrigues added an enthusiastic message urging the team to bring the trophy home.

ALSO SEE: Historic! Brett Randell takes 5 wickets in 5 balls, first in 254 years of First-Class cricket

India eyes historic milestones in T20 World Cup 2026 final

The women's team support establishes special importance because the team won their historic feat when they secured victory in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 final against South Africa at Dr. DY Patil Stadium. 

The T20 World Cup final marks India's fourth appearance which makes them the most successful team in tournament history. The Men in Blue aim to create another historic moment for Indian cricket because they currently possess strong momentum while receiving support from their fans and fellow cricketers.

The grand finale of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 will not only crown a new champion but also deliver a spectacular entertainment show before the final clash. The closing ceremony will take place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8, just before the highly anticipated final between India national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team.

To add glamour to the cricket spectacle, global pop superstar Ricky Martin will headline the ceremony with a high-energy performance.

Closing Ceremony schedule

Fans attending the final are advised to arrive early to enjoy the full pre-match celebration. The stadium gates will open hours before the ceremony begins.

The ceremony will feature music, cultural performances and a spectacular light and laser show celebrating the co-host nations.

Star performers at the ceremony

Ricky Martin 

Latin pop legend Ricky Martin will perform at the closing ceremony, marking his return to India after nearly three decades. Known for global hits like “Livin’ la Vida Loca” and the famous 1998 FIFA World Cup anthem “The Cup of Life”, Martin is expected to deliver a high-energy medley that will set the stage for the final showdown.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Sayali Satghare stuns Georgia Voll with peach of delivery in AUS-W vs IND-W Only Test

Cultural performances

Apart from the headline act, the ceremony will include:

• Cultural dance performances representing India and Sri Lanka
• Large-scale choreographed segments
• A modern light and laser show
• Visual celebrations of cricket’s global reach

Where to watch the closing ceremony live

Fans who cannot attend the stadium can watch the ceremony live on TV and digital platforms.

India secured their place in the final after defeating England national cricket team in a thrilling semi-final at Wankhede Stadium. A brilliant knock from Sanju Samson and crucial death bowling from Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya helped India edge past England in a high-scoring contest.

With a blockbuster musical performance and a world-class cricket final lined up, the T20 World Cup 2026 closing ceremony promises to be a spectacular celebration of cricket and entertainment.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly considering a bold move ahead of the Pakistan Super League 2026 season which involves moving the tournament final out of Pakistan to enhance the league's international recognition. 

The PSL 11 final which is set for May 10 will take place in either the United Kingdom or Dubai or the United States of America according to emerging reports. The proposal was reportedly discussed in recent PCB meetings with franchise owners, where stakeholders felt an overseas finale could significantly enhance commercial value and international visibility.

The idea isn’t entirely new. The first four PSL seasons were hosted in the UAE due to security concerns, before the league fully returned to Pakistan in 2020. The final would establish a landmark first because it would take place in either England or the USA which marks a historic first for PSL and all main South Asian franchise leagues.

The scheduling conflict with the Indian Premier League serves as the primary reason for the decision. The PCB plans to establish distinctive worldwide events which will secure their international audience and sponsor partnerships because PSL 2026 will begin on March 26 and create schedule conflicts with IPL matches.

ALSO SEE: ICC sanctions Pakistan’s Sidra Amin for breaching code of conduct vs South Africa in 1st ODI

Expansion, exposure and the future of PSL

The board has expanded the league to eight teams through its decision to add Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Kingsmen because they want to create better entertainment through increased match count. The league organizers are working to bring in prominent international players who will help make the league more attractive to fans.

The PSL final becomes an international event through its overseas hosting which creates fresh business opportunities while bringing in overseas fans and showing PSL as a worldwide T20 league instead of a local tournament.

The potential venue change has created a fan debate because fans have not received any official announcement about the new location yet. Some fans welcome international exposure but others worry about moving the league's most important event outside the country's boundaries.

The PCB will make its final decision which will determine the future direction of PSL operations.

Official ticket sales for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 knockout matches have started, which allows fans to watch the tournament's most important matches from stadium seats.

The semi-final and final tickets will be available from 7 PM IST on Tuesday, February 24. Fans can reserve their seats for the first semi-final on March 4, the second semi-final on March 5, and the grand final on March 8.

Semi-final & Final Venues Explained

• The teams will compete in semi-final 1 at either R Premadasa Stadium or Eden Gardens depending on their advancement to the next round.
• The Wankhede Stadium will be the host location for semi-final 2.
• The final will be held at either Narendra Modi Stadium or Colombo as the match location if Pakistan qualifies for the final. 

The system will process an automatic refund when a fan purchases tickets for a match that does not occur at their chosen venue.

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How to Book T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-final & Final Tickets

Follow these simple steps:

• Open the BookMyShow app or visit bookmyshow.in
• Tap on Sports or search for T20 World Cup matches
• Select the semi-final or final match
• Choose your preferred stand and seats
• Proceed to payment
• Receive your digital M-ticket in the app (QR code activates on match day)

This is the first official ticket release, with limited seats across categories. The demand for final four spots will reach extremely high levels because multiple top teams are competing for these positions.

For cricket fans across India and Sri Lanka, the road to the T20 World Cup trophy is about to get even more exciting and now, you can be part of it live from the stands

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final is set to be played between the eight-time champions Karnataka and the first-time finalists Jammu & Kashmir. Royal Challengers Bengaluru's home venue, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, won't host the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final, which has been scheduled to begin from February 24, as the Final venue has been shifted.  

KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground in Hubli will host Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final

Instead of the popular M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground in Hubli will host the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir. The BCCI Domestic verified X page has confirmed the Final venue by posting the following page. 

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 🏆

It all comes down to this 🔥

Karnataka 🆚 J & K

Who are you backing to reign supreme? 🤔@IDFCFIRSTBank | #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/NW2jIedcXp

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 19, 2026

Why will M. Chinnaswamy Stadium not host Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final?

According to the recent ESPNcricinfo report, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had the option to host the upcoming Ranji Trophy Final either in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru) or KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground (Hubli). As the IPL venue in Bengaluru is still works in progress at several spectator gates and access points, the KSCA can't ensure to provide a high-quality match-viewing experience along with spectator convenience for a big game, like the Ranji Trophy Final. So, the KSCA has chosen Hubli for the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final. 

A KSCA spokesperson said ESPNcricinfo, "Several spectator gates and access points are currently being dismantled and widened, along with other critical improvement works. In view of these ongoing developments, it would not have been feasible to ensure the high-quality match-viewing experience and spectator convenience a marquee fixture such as a Ranji final deserves."

Watch: Jammu & Kashmir players' celebration after reaching historic Final of Ranji Trophy 2025-26

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Finalists

Jammu & Kashmir have reached the Final after dramatically beating Bengal in the Semi-final. After replying 302 all out against Bengal's first innings total of 328 all out, J&K bundled out their opponents for only 99 runs, while chasing the fourth innings target of 126 runs after losing four wickets to win the match by six wickets. 

Meanwhile, Karnataka performed dominantly in the Semi-final against Uttarakhand. After scoring 736 runs in the first innings, they bundled out Uttarakhand for only 233 runs. Karnataka already almost confirmed their place for the Final with a 503-run first innings lead. Later, Karnataka scored 323 all out, while their opponents scored 260/6 against the fourth innings target of 827 runs. After the drawn match, Karnataka have advanced to the Final, thanks to their mammoth first innings lead. 

India U19 stretched their record of the most U19 Cricket World Cup titles to the sixth time after beating England U19 by 100 runs in the Final of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 at Harare on Friday (February 6), which helped the team to lift the trophy. 

India U19 scored 411/9, powered by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's stormy 175

After India U19 chose to bat first in the Final, they scored 411/9 in 50 overs, thanks to the opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's 175 off 80 balls with 15 sixes and 15 fours. Also, captain Ayush Mhatre scored 53 runs, while there was also solid support from other batters. In reply, England U19 were all out for 311 runs, while the middle-order batter Caleb Falconer produced a fighting character with 115 off just 67 balls with the help of nine fours and seven sixes.

While India U19 mostly dominated the tournament, they won the title by winning all the fixtures of the tournament. The entire Indian cricket family feels proud of the success, which has set a massive example in world cricket. 

See Also: India U19 stretch record with sixth WC title after winning ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026

Watch how the Indian cricketers reacted

𝗖.𝗛.𝗔.𝗠.𝗣.𝗜.𝗢.𝗡.𝗦 🏆

Congratulations to India U19 on winning the ICC Men's U19 World Cup 2026 👏👏

Their historic 6⃣th title 🫡

Take. A. Bow 🙇

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/hisult7mtv #U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/5a0Pf4wpTw

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 6, 2026

Proud of you boys! The bright future is here! #IndiaU19 pic.twitter.com/scltL9F4Pu

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) February 6, 2026

Congratulations to the U-19 Indian team for lifting the World Cup once again. Our domination in the age group cricket and beyond continues. Well done to the whole squad and the support staff. 👏🇮🇳

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 6, 2026

This is not a team. This is a Factory of future superstars
No fear of occasion. Just pure Domination.
Welcome to our cricket’s golden future!
Proud of our boys! pic.twitter.com/P7DtDfoj7U

— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 6, 2026

Many congratulations to India u-19 team for winning the World Cup. @BCCI @VVSLaxman281

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 6, 2026

Sooryavanshi Vaibhav 175 in 80 balls with 15 sixes. Have we seen the future of cricket? If he had stuck around even a 300 seemed possible. India is blessed, they keep getting world class batters.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 6, 2026

Champions!

So proud of this young group and the fearless cricket they played. Well done to the entire team, including coaches and support staff. Enjoy the moment!

When you have a Sooryavanshi, a timeless blockbuster is expected! Well done, Vaibhav! pic.twitter.com/wGXtwt55SS

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 6, 2026

Stellar performance by our Under-19 boys.
6th time champions.
Undefeated throughout the campaign.
India are the best cricket team on the planet. #under19worldcup

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 6, 2026