(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
ICC Finalizing Plans for 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is close to finalizing the schedule for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, with a provisional window set from February 7 to March 8, 2026.
The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, making use of at least five venues across India and two in Sri Lanka.
Tournament Format and Teams
Following the success of the expanded 2024 edition in the USA and West Indies, the 2026 World Cup will once again feature 20 teams, offering fans a blend of traditional cricket powerhouses and emerging nations.
So far, 15 teams have qualified:
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Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh
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Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies
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USA, Ireland, Netherlands, Canada, and Italy
Italy’s qualification is particularly historic, as this will be their first-ever senior ICC World Cup appearance.
The five remaining slots will be filled through regional qualifiers: two from Africa and three from Asia/East Asia-Pacific.
The format will mirror 2024, starting with four groups of five teams each. The top two from every group will move on to the Super Eight, followed by semi-finals and the final. In total, 55 matches will be played across the month.
Venue for the Final
A major point of discussion remains the final’s venue. Ahmedabad — which hosted the 2023 ODI World Cup final — and Colombo are the leading contenders. Reports suggest the decision could depend on Pakistan’s progression in the tournament. If the team reaches the final, a neutral venue in Sri Lanka may be chosen.
Pakistan’s Possible Matches in Sri Lanka
For Pakistan, playing group-stage games in Sri Lanka would bring back memories of the 2012 T20 World Cup, where the team reached the semi-finals in Colombo. Fans are eagerly awaiting the official draw, which will confirm match schedules and the possibility of another high-stakes clash with India.
