T20 World Cup 2026 Venues Confirmed in India and Sri Lanka

In a major announcement during the schedule reveal ceremony, the ICC has officially confirmed the venues for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, will be played across eight iconic stadiums, finally ending months of speculation and early reports.

The confirmation came straight from the stage where BCCI Secretary Jay Shah unveiled the final venue list — a moment cricket fans had been anxiously waiting for.

India’s Powerhouse Line-up: Five Cities, Five Massive Venues

India, the primary host, will stage the opening match, the final, and a giant share of the group and Super Eight fixtures. The world’s biggest cricket stadium — Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad — has been locked in for the opening game and the grand final, setting the stage for a capacity crowd like no other.

Joining it are four historic venues:

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai – confirmed to host a semifinal
Eden Gardens, Kolkata – Super Eight action
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai – group stage matches
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi – group fixtures

This combination offers a blend of atmosphere, capacity, and cricketing heritage, making it an ideal mix for the sport’s most explosive format.

Sri Lanka’s Trio: Colombo & Kandy Return to ICC Spotlight

Sri Lanka will host part of the group-stage action through three confirmed venues:

R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo

Notably missing is Galle, which was widely expected earlier — SSC steps in as the third official Sri Lankan venue.

R. Premadasa remains the centerpiece of Sri Lanka’s hosting, and under the hybrid model, it could host high-voltage fixtures including a potential India vs Pakistan knockout.

Hybrid Hosting: The India–Pakistan Factor

Much like the 2023 Asia Cup model, the ICC has reinforced a hybrid approach:

India plays its matches in India
Pakistan plays all its matches in Sri Lanka
If IND vs PAK happens in knockouts → Match in Colombo
If Pakistan reaches the final → It will be held at a neutral venue

This structure ensures seamless scheduling without compromising security or fan interest.

Tournament Structure Remains Unchanged

The T20 World Cup 2026 retains the expanded 20-team format:

4 groups of 5 teams
Top 2 qualify for Super Eight
Followed by two semifinals & the final

Every confirmed venue is expected to host at least six matches, helping maintain consistent fan turnout and reduce excessive travel for teams.

What This Means for Fans & Teams

With venues now locked in, preparations for one of the most anticipated cricketing events officially shift into high gear. From Ahmedabad’s monstrous capacity to the buzzing energy of Colombo, fans are guaranteed packed stadiums, electric nights, and subcontinent-style cricket drama — loud, colorful, and unforgettable.

The countdown to February 7 begins.