The countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has begun, and the buzz around the host venues is growing louder. According to multiple reports, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has been finalized to host both the tournament opener and the grand final, while Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium and Kolkata’s Eden Gardens are in line to host the two semifinals.
The mega event, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will be played from February 7 to March 8, 2026, with matches spread across eight venues — five in India and three in Sri Lanka.
Final in Ahmedabad, Semifinals in Mumbai & Kolkata
Cricbuzz first reported that Ahmedabad and Kolkata were shortlisted for the semifinals. However, The Indian Express later confirmed that Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has been picked instead of Kolkata for one of the last-four clashes, while Ahmedabad retains its position as the prime venue — hosting the opening match and the final of the tournament.
The decision mirrors the structure of the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Ahmedabad hosted both the opener and the final. The world’s largest cricket stadium is once again expected to stage a packed house for the tournament’s curtain-raiser and grand finale.
🇮🇳 Host Cities in India
The five Indian host cities finalized for the tournament are:
- Ahmedabad
- Mumbai
- Delhi
- Chennai
- Kolkata
Each venue is expected to host at least six matches, making the schedule more compact than the 2023 ODI edition.
In case India and Pakistan meet in a semifinal, that match will be moved to Colombo, under the hybrid model agreed between the BCCI and PCB. Likewise, if Sri Lanka qualifies for the semifinals, their match will also be held in Colombo.
If Pakistan reaches the final, the title clash will shift to a neutral venue as per ICC’s security and political protocols.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka’s Co-Hosting Role
The island nation will co-host the event with matches expected at:
- R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo)
- Pallekele International Stadium (Kandy)
- Dambulla or Hambantota (to be finalized)
This ensures a strong regional balance while maintaining the subcontinent’s shared cricketing tradition.
Warm-up Matches & Other Venues
There’s no official word yet on warm-up matches, though Bengaluru might host a few practice games — depending on safety clearance following the stampede incident during RCB’s IPL celebrations earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium remains uncertain due to scheduling and logistical issues. Venues that hosted the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 — including Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Indore, and Navi Mumbai — have been excluded from consideration.
Tournament Format & Schedule
As confirmed by the ICC, the 2026 edition will follow the same 20-team format as the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
- 20 teams divided into 4 groups of 5
- Top 2 from each group advance to Super Eight
- Followed by semifinals and final
India, the defending champions, will feature prominently in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata — ensuring nationwide fan engagement.
Tournament Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament Dates | February 7 – March 8, 2026 |
| Host Nations | India & Sri Lanka |
| Total Teams | 20 |
| Groups | 4 (of 5 teams each) |
| Stages | Group → Super Eight → Semifinals → Final |
| Final Venue (Expected) | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Semifinal Venues (Expected) | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai & Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| India vs Pakistan Fixture | Colombo (Neutral Venue) |
With the schedule expected to be released later this month, anticipation is building rapidly. For Indian fans, it’s a sense of déjà vu — the return of another global ICC event on home soil, with the promise of high-octane cricket, massive crowds, and a possible repeat of 2024’s World Cup glory.
