The countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 officially gathered momentum on December 16 as the tournament’s Trophy Tour was launched in breathtaking fashion over Adam’s Bridge, the historic stretch linking India and Sri Lanka.
In a visually striking start to the global journey, the iconic silver trophy took flight aboard a two-seater paramotor, soaring above the chain of limestone shoals known as Ram Setu in India. Against the dramatic backdrop of India’s southern coastline, the airborne launch symbolised not just the beginning of the Trophy Tour, but also the shared heritage and unity between the two host nations of the 2026 edition.
Adam’s Bridge holds deep cultural and historical significance, revered as Ram Setu in India, while also standing as a natural connector between India and Sri Lanka. The choice of location underlined the tournament’s theme of togetherness, with the Trophy Tour quite literally bridging the gap between the co-hosts.
The paramotor flight traced the shimmering waters below, reaching the farthest authorised point over the bridge before looping back, capturing stunning aerial visuals and marking a memorable opening chapter in the build-up to one of cricket’s biggest events.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah highlighted the importance of the occasion, calling it a powerful way to set the tone for the tournament.
“Launching the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World above the Ram Setu, a site steeped in history, symbolism and shared cultural identity, sets an inspiring tone as we build towards this landmark event,” Shah said.
“This tour represents far more than the physical movement of a trophy. It is a unifying journey that brings continents, cultures, and cricketing communities together, igniting passion among fans worldwide and strengthening the shared spirit that defines our game.”
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be the 10th edition of the tournament and promises a packed schedule, featuring 20 teams competing over 29 days. The competition will be staged across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka, with the opening match scheduled for February 7.
As part of the build-up, the Trophy Tour will travel extensively across Asia, including stops in India, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, Nepal, Bahrain and Mongolia. Fans in each destination will get the opportunity to see the trophy up close and take part in interactive activities designed to build excitement ahead of the global showpiece.
The tour will feature campus visits, fan engagement events, public activations and cricket carnivals, celebrating the inclusivity and energy of the shortest format of the game. In a special initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation, the trophy will also visit schools and colleges connected to players set to feature in the tournament, offering young fans a rare and unforgettable experience.
In addition, the iconic silverware will make appearances at major T20 leagues and selected bilateral series, ensuring the buzz around the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues to grow across formats and regions.
Fans around the world can follow every stop of the journey through the official social media handle @icctrophytour, as anticipation builds towards what promises to be a landmark edition of the T20 World Cup.
