The cricketing world is turning its attention to South Asia as India and Sri Lanka prepare to co-host the highly anticipated 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Set to commence on February 7, the month-long global spectacle promises high-octane action, culminating in the crowning of the world champions in early March.
Tournament Schedule and Key Dates
The 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup will officially begin on Saturday, February 7, and is scheduled to run for just over a month. While the main body of the competition concludes on March 8, the ultimate fixture—the tournament final—is slated for Monday, March 9.
The hosting duties will be shared between the two nations, with Sri Lanka taking the honour of staging the opening ceremony and initial fixtures. The tournament will officially open in Colombo, providing a vibrant backdrop for the start of the championship.
Format and Group Stage Structure
The structure of the 2026 T20 World Cup features a robust group stage format designed to test the depth of the participating nations. A total of twenty teams will compete for the coveted title. These nations have been divided into four distinct groups, with each group comprising five teams. This setup ensures a comprehensive round-robin phase before the competition progresses to the knockout stages.
Opening Fixtures and Start Time
The action begins promptly on February 7, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 11:00 local time. The opening match of the tournament will feature a compelling clash between Pakistan and the Netherlands, setting the competitive tone for the weeks that follow.
