The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is here to ignite cricket passion across the globe. As warm-up matches heat up on February 3, 2026, with teams fine-tuning their strategies, the main event explodes into action just days away on February 7, 2026. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, this 10th edition promises non-stop excitement with 20 teams battling in 55 high-stakes matches. Defending champions India, fresh from their 2024 triumph, are gunning for back-to-back glory under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, blending explosive batting with lethal bowling.
Thunderous sixes at packed stadiums, nail-biting super overs, and underdog stories that rewrite history. The tournament’s format keeps things intense – four groups of five teams each, where every match counts. The top two from each group advance to the Super 8s, followed by semifinals and a blockbuster final on March 8, 2026. With a whopping prize pool expected to surpass previous editions (rumored around $11 million based on past trends), the stakes are sky-high. This isn’t just cricket; it’s a global spectacle drawing billions of viewers, boosting economies in host nations, and uniting fans from diverse corners.
Key rivalries add extra spice. The India vs Pakistan clash on February 15 in Colombo is already buzzing – a showdown that’s more than sport, it’s cultural fireworks. Expect massive crowds and electric atmospheres, especially with India playing most group games at home. Other highlights include Australia’s quest for redemption after their 2024 early exit, England’s dynamic all-rounders aiming for a third title, and West Indies’ power-hitters ready to dominate spin-friendly pitches.
Innovation shines through this year. For accessibility, JioHotstar introduces an Indian Sign Language (ISL) feed for select matches, making the game inclusive for deaf fans. In India, the tradition of free mobile streaming continues to democratize access, while ICC.tv offers free global streams in unlicensed regions. These features build on the tournament’s growth, from its 2007 debut to now featuring expanded teams like qualifiers Italy and UAE.
As a cricket enthusiast who’s followed every ball since the inaugural edition, I can tell you this World Cup feels special. Hosted in subcontinental conditions, expect spin wizards like Kuldeep Yadav and Wanindu Hasaranga to steal the show, while pacers like Jasprit Bumrah adapt to dew-heavy evenings. The global significance? It’s a platform for emerging talents – think USA’s rise post-2024 or Namibia’s grit – proving T20’s universal appeal.
This guide dives deep into everything you need: from venues that echo cricket legends to a full schedule packed with must-watch games, broadcast options tailored by region, and tips to catch every moment. Whether you’re cheering from Mumbai’s streets, London’s pubs, or New York’s screens, gear up for the thrill. Bookmark this, share with fellow fans, and let’s make 2026 unforgettable. Ready to dive in? Let’s break it down.
T20 World Cup 2026 Venues: Iconic Stadiums in India and Sri Lanka
Venue selection can make or break a tournament’s vibe. In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the chosen grounds blend history, massive capacities, and pitch varieties that favor both bat and ball. Subcontinental conditions mean expect turning tracks in Sri Lanka and seaming assistance early in India, with dew playing a role in day-night games. These stadiums aren’t just fields; they’re cauldrons of passion where fans create deafening roars, influencing outcomes.
Venues in India
India hosts the bulk of matches, leveraging its world-class infrastructure. Here’s a spotlight on each:
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: The world’s largest cricket venue with 132,000 seats, it’s set for the final (unless Pakistan qualifies, then it shifts to Colombo for logistical reasons). Opened in 2020, it hosted the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Pitches here are batsman-friendly but offer bounce for pacers. Notable: Potential Super 8s and knockouts. Expect dry, hot weather in February-March.
- Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai: Capacity 33,108, this iconic spot birthed India’s 2011 ODI World Cup win. Sea breeze aids swing, but flat tracks suit big hitters. Hosts India’s opener vs USA on February 7. Famous for MS Dhoni’s six – imagine similar magic in 2026.
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata: At 68,000 capacity, it’s Asia’s oldest stadium (1864). Dew-heavy evenings make chasing easier. Known for spin grip, it hosted the 2016 T20 final. Key matches: West Indies vs Scotland opener on February 7.
- M.A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai: 39,000 seats, renowned for spin-friendly red soil pitches. Hot, humid weather tests endurance. Past gem: India’s 2016 thriller vs Bangladesh. Hosts multiple group games.
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi: 55,000 capacity, revamped for modern comfort. Pitches assist seam early, spin later. Cool evenings in February suit all formats. India’s vs Namibia on February 12 here.
Venues in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s tropical charm adds variety, with rain possible but quick drainage ensuring play.
- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo: 35,000 seats, a T20 fortress. Hosts India vs Pakistan on February 15. Pitches turn sharply, favoring spinners like Rashid Khan.
- Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo: Intimate 10,000 capacity, known for high scores. Hosts the opener Pakistan vs Netherlands on February 7.
- Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy: 35,000 seats amid hills, offering seam movement. Scenic views enhance fan experience.
Warm-up venues include Bengaluru’s BCCI Centre of Excellence, Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil, Chennai’s Chepauk, and Colombo grounds – perfect for acclimatization.
For fans, tickets via ICC’s official site or BookMyShow for select games like India warm-ups. Weather: Mild in India (20-30°C), humid in Sri Lanka. These spots promise unforgettable atmospheres – grab your spot!
| Venue | City | Capacity | Notable Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narendra Modi Stadium | Ahmedabad, India | 132,000 | Final (provisional), Super 8s |
| Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai, India | 33,108 | India vs USA (Feb 7), Semifinal 2 |
| Eden Gardens | Kolkata, India | 68,000 | West Indies vs Scotland (Feb 7), Semifinal 1 (provisional) |
| M.A. Chidambaram Stadium | Chennai, India | 39,000 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan (Feb 8) |
| Arun Jaitley Stadium | Delhi, India | 55,000 | India vs Namibia (Feb 12) |
| R. Premadasa Stadium | Colombo, Sri Lanka | 35,000 | India vs Pakistan (Feb 15) |
| Sinhalese Sports Club | Colombo, Sri Lanka | 10,000 | Pakistan vs Netherlands (Feb 7) |
| Pallekele Stadium | Kandy, Sri Lanka | 35,000 | Group stage matches |
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule: Dates, Groups, and Must-Watch Matches
The T20 World Cup 2026 format ensures edge-of-seat action. It kicks off with a group stage (February 7-20), where teams play four matches each in a round-robin. Top two per group qualify for Super 8s (February 21-March 1), divided into two groups of four for more round-robins. Semifinals on March 4-5 lead to the March 8 final. Points: 2 for win, 1 for no-result, net run rate tiebreaker. Short format means upsets galore!
Group Stage Overview
Teams are seeded strategically:
- Group A: India (seed 1), Pakistan (seed 3), USA, Netherlands, Namibia
- Group B: Australia (seed 2), Sri Lanka (seed 4), Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman
- Group C: England (seed 1), West Indies (seed 3), Nepal, Scotland, Italy
- Group D: South Africa (seed 4), New Zealand (seed 2), Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
This setup avoids early big clashes but builds tension.
India’s Full Schedule
As hosts and favorites, India’s path is prime-time friendly (IST timings):
- February 7: vs USA, Mumbai, 7:00 PM IST – Explosive start at Wankhede.
- February 12: vs Namibia, Delhi, 7:00 PM IST – Chance for big scores at Arun Jaitley.
- February 15: vs Pakistan, Colombo, 7:00 PM IST – The mega rivalry under lights.
- February 18: vs Netherlands, Ahmedabad, 7:00 PM IST – Narendra Modi Stadium debut.
India’s mix of experience (Bumrah) and youth (Abhishek Sharma) positions them strongly.
Opening Day Highlights
February 7 packs a punch:
- Pakistan vs Netherlands, Colombo, 11:00 AM IST – SSC’s spin test.
- West Indies vs Scotland, Kolkata, 3:00 PM IST – Eden Gardens’ roar for power-hitters.
- India vs USA, Mumbai, 7:00 PM IST – Hosts’ grand entry.
Other Blockbuster Matches
- Australia vs Sri Lanka (Feb 10, Kandy) – Hosts vs champs.
- England vs West Indies (Feb 11, Mumbai) – Rematch of classics.
- South Africa vs Afghanistan (Feb 13, Chennai) – Pace vs spin.
Global viewers: Adjust for time zones – morning starts in Americas, evenings in Europe. Indian audiences get IST-optimized slots for max viewership.
Here’s the complete group stage schedule in table form (all times IST; venues as per ICC):
| Date | Match | Group | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 7 | Pakistan vs Netherlands | A | Colombo (SSC) | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 7 | West Indies vs Scotland | C | Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 7 | India vs USA | A | Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 8 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | D | Chennai | 8:30 AM |
| Feb 8 | England vs Nepal | C | Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 9 | South Africa vs Canada | D | Delhi | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 9 | Scotland vs Italy | C | Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 10 | Australia vs Sri Lanka | B | Kandy | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 11 | England vs West Indies | C | Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 12 | India vs Namibia | A | Delhi | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 12 | Nepal vs Italy | C | Mumbai | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 13 | South Africa vs Afghanistan | D | Chennai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 14 | England vs Scotland | C | Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 15 | West Indies vs Nepal | C | Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 15 | India vs Pakistan | A | Colombo (Premadasa) | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 16 | England vs Italy | C | Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 17 | Scotland vs Nepal | C | Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 18 | India vs Netherlands | A | Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 19 | West Indies vs Italy | C | Kolkata | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 20 | Group stage concludes | – | Various | – |
Super 8s and knockouts to follow – stay tuned for updates via ICC site.
T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches: Full Schedule, Venues, and Where to Watch
Warm-ups (February 2-6) are crucial for teams to shake off rust and test combinations. As of February 3, 2026, games like Afghanistan vs Scotland (Bengaluru) and USA vs India A (Navi Mumbai) are underway, giving glimpses of form. These 16 non-official matches help adapt to conditions – spin in Colombo, bounce in India.
The purpose? Fine-tune squads, trial debutants, and build momentum. With no points at stake, expect experimentation, like India resting stars for their February 4 clash vs South Africa.
Key highlights: India vs South Africa (Feb 4, Navi Mumbai) – Bumrah vs Jansen preview. Pakistan vs Ireland (Feb 4, Colombo) – Babar Azam’s tune-up. New Zealand vs USA (Feb 5, Navi Mumbai) – Trans-Tasman flair meets American energy.
Broadcast: In India, India vs South Africa live on Star Sports/JioHotstar. 11 select games stream on JioHotstar (e.g., Afghanistan vs Scotland). Globally, all free on ICC.tv, with regional options like Myco in Pakistan, Willow in USA.
Tickets: Free entry for some, like DY Patil games via BookMyShow.
Watch for: Young guns like India’s Harshit Rana or Afghanistan’s spin depth.
Full warm-up schedule (local times):
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2 | Afghanistan vs Scotland | Bengaluru (BCCI CoE Ground 1) | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 2 | USA vs India A | Navi Mumbai (DY Patil) | 5:00 PM |
| Feb 2 | Canada vs Italy | Chennai (Chepauk) | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 3 | Oman vs Sri Lanka A | Colombo (CCC) | 1:00 PM |
| Feb 3 | Netherlands vs Zimbabwe | Colombo (Premadasa) | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 3 | Nepal vs UAE | Chennai (Chepauk) | 5:00 PM |
| Feb 4 | Scotland vs Namibia | Bengaluru (BCCI CoE Ground 2) | 1:00 PM |
| Feb 4 | Afghanistan vs West Indies | Bengaluru (BCCI CoE Ground 1) | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 4 | Pakistan vs Ireland | Colombo (SSC) | 5:00 PM |
| Feb 4 | India vs South Africa | Navi Mumbai (DY Patil) | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 5 | Zimbabwe vs Oman | Colombo (CCC) | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 5 | Nepal vs Canada | Chennai (Chepauk) | 1:00 PM |
| Feb 5 | Australia vs Netherlands | Colombo (Premadasa) | 5:00 PM |
| Feb 5 | New Zealand vs USA | Navi Mumbai (DY Patil) | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 6 | Italy vs UAE | Chennai (Chepauk) | 3:00 PM |
| Feb 6 | India A vs Namibia | Bengaluru (BCCI CoE Ground 1) | 5:00 PM |
How to Watch T20 World Cup 2026 in India: TV Channels, Live Streaming, and Free Options
Indian fans, you’re in for a treat. Star Sports Network, the go-to for cricket, broadcasts all 55 matches live with multi-language commentary – English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada. Channels like Star Sports 1 (HD), Select for in-depth analysis.
Digital? JioHotstar is your hub. The merged app offers live streams, replays, highlights, multi-camera views, and stats. Subscription starts at ₹299/month, but expect free mobile access for key games, continuing the tradition to reach millions.
Innovations: ISL feed for accessibility, interactive polls. Radio? Mirchi FM for live updates – perfect for commutes.
Warm-ups: India vs South Africa on Star Sports/JioHotstar; others streamed selectively.
Tips: Download JioHotstar app for seamless viewing. Compare:
| Aspect | TV (Star Sports) | Streaming (JioHotstar) |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Big-screen immersion, no buffering | On-the-go, extras like replays |
| Cons | Fixed schedule | Needs internet |
| Best For | Family viewing | Busy fans |
Catch every thrill without missing a beat.
T20 World Cup 2026 Global Broadcast: How to Watch in UK, USA, Australia, Pakistan, and Everywhere Else
Global rights ensure no fan misses out. ICC.tv is the free lifeline in uncovered areas, streaming all matches with highlights.
Major partners:
| Territory | Linear TV | Digital Streaming | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Star Sports Network | JioHotstar | Multi-language, ISL |
| UK | Sky Sports Cricket | Sky Go / NOW | Select games live |
| USA/Canada | Willow TV | Willow app / Cricbuzz | Full coverage |
| Australia | – | Amazon Prime Video | Exclusive digital |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Geo Super | Myco, Tamasha, Tapmad, ARY Zapp | All warm-ups too |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport | Sky Sport Now | NZ games priority |
| South Africa | SuperSport | SuperSport / DStv App | Sub-Saharan access |
| Sri Lanka | Star Sports, Dialog TV | ThePapare, Dialog Play | Local flavor |
| MENA | CricLife | Starzplay / E& | Select on ICC.tv |
| Caribbean | ESPN | Disney+ | Regional vibes |
| Bangladesh | GTV, T Sports | Rabbithole | Free options |
| Others | Varies (YuppTV) | ICC.tv | Free in Europe, Pacific, etc. |
UK: Sky Sports for big clashes like England games. USA: Willow for North American timings. Australia: Prime Video’s ad-free streams. Pakistan: Multiple apps for redundancy.
Warm-ups: Free on ICC.tv globally; region-specific like E& in MENA.
VPN tip: Use for geo-blocks, but follow laws. Link to official ICC for updates.
Teams, Star Players, and Bold Predictions for T20 World Cup 2026
20 teams qualified via rankings, 2024 performance, and regionals. History: India (2007, 2024), England (2010, 2022), West Indies (2012, 2016) lead with two wins each; Pakistan (2009), Sri Lanka (2014), Australia (2021) have one.
Top contenders:
- India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma (No.1 T20 batter), Jasprit Bumrah (pace ace). Prediction: Back-to-back champs on home soil.
- Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head (explosive opener), Adam Zampa (wicket-taker). Dark horse for second title.
- England: Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (keeper-batter), Jofra Archer (speed demon). Bold: Third win if pace clicks.
- Pakistan: Babar Azam (top scorer), Shaheen Afridi (swing king). Could upset India.
- South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), David Miller (finisher), Kagiso Rabada (pacer).
Players to watch: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan spin), Phil Salt (England opener), Harshit Rana (India debutant).
Predictions: India favorites per Ravi Shastri; semis: India, Australia, England, South Africa. Dark horse: West Indies. Tie to broadcast – watch stars shine on JioHotstar or ICC.tv.
History winners table:
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | India | Pakistan |
| 2009 | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
| 2010 | England | Australia |
| 2012 | West Indies | Sri Lanka |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka | India |
| 2016 | West Indies | England |
| 2021 | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2022 | England | Pakistan |
| 2024 | India | South Africa |
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for the Thrill
As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 unfolds, expect magic – from India’s home dominance to global underdogs rising. This guide equips you for every twist. Bookmark it, share on your IPL Star blog for fellow fans, and check icc-cricket.com for real-time updates. Let’s celebrate cricket’s unity!
FAQs: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
1. When does the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 start and end?
The tournament officially begins on February 7, 2026, with three opening-day matches, and concludes with the final on March 8, 2026. T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-up matches are already underway from February 2–6, 2026.
2. Where is the T20 World Cup 2026 being hosted?
The event is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. India hosts the majority of matches, including most of India’s group games and the provisional final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. T20 World Cup 2026 Sri Lanka hosts selected group matches, including the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash.
3. When is the India vs Pakistan match in T20 World Cup 2026?
T20 World Cup 2026 The most anticipated clash—India vs Pakistan—is scheduled for February 15, 2026, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, starting at 7:00 PM IST. See the full India schedule above.
4. What is India’s full schedule in T20 World Cup 2026 group stage?
India plays:
– Feb 7 vs USA (Mumbai, 7:00 PM IST)
– Feb 12 vs Namibia (Delhi, 7:00 PM IST)
– Feb 15 vs Pakistan (Colombo, 7:00 PM IST)
– Feb 18 vs Netherlands (Ahmedabad, 7:00 PM IST)
All timings are viewer-friendly for Indian audiences.
5. How to watch T20 World Cup 2026 live streaming free in India?
JioHotstar continues the tradition of free mobile streaming for select/high-viewership matches. T20 World Cup 2026 Full tournament access requires a subscription starting at ₹299/month, with TV broadcast on Star Sports Network in multiple languages, including an Indian Sign Language feed.
6. Which channels and apps broadcast T20 World Cup 2026 in India?
Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1/HD, Select) handles linear TV. T20 World Cup 2026 Digital streaming is exclusive to JioHotstar with replays, highlights, and multi-camera options.
7. Where to buy T20 World Cup 2026 tickets?
T20 World Cup 2026 Tickets are available via the official ICC website (icc-cricket.com) and BookMyShow for select matches, especially warm-ups and India games. High-demand games like India vs Pakistan sell out quickly—book early.
8. What are the key venues for T20 World Cup 2026?
Major venues include Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy). T20 World Cup 2026 Refer to the venues section above for capacity and notable matches.
9. How to watch T20 World Cup 2026 outside India?
ICC.tv offers free streaming in unlicensed territories. T20 World Cup 2026 Regional partners include Sky Sports (UK), Willow TV (USA/Canada), Amazon Prime Video (Australia), PTV/Myco (Pakistan), and SuperSport (South Africa). Check the global broadcast table above.
10. What is the format and group composition of T20 World Cup 2026?
Twenty teams are divided into four groups of five. T20 World Cup 2026 Top two from each group advance to Super 8s, followed by semifinals and final. Group A notably includes India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia—setting up early rivalries.