ICC announces T20 World Cup 2026 schedule; Pakistan-India clash set for Feb 15

The ICC on Tuesday unveiled the schedule for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The announcement was made at a ceremony held in Mumbai.

According to the ICC, matches will be played across seven venues — Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Colombo and Kandy.

The tournament will feature 20 teams divided into four groups, with the top two sides from each pool advancing to the Super 8 stage. The Super 8 teams will then be split into two groups, and the top two from each will reach the semi-finals.

Groups

Group A includes India, Pakistan, the United States, the Netherlands and Namibia.

Group B features Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.

Group C comprises England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal and Italy.

Group D includes New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE.

Pakistan’s fixtures

Pakistan will open their campaign on February 7 against the Netherlands. Their second match is scheduled for February 10 against the United States in Colombo. The much-anticipated Pakistan–India encounter will take place on February 15, also in Colombo. Pakistan will play their final group match on February 18 against Namibia.

The Super 8 stage will run from February 21 to March 1. The first semi-final will be held on March 4 in Kolkata, while the second will take place on March 5 in Mumbai. However, if Pakistan qualify, their semi-final will be shifted to Colombo.

Ahmedabad has been selected to host the final, though it will move to Colombo should Pakistan reach the title match.