T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule - Fixtures PDF & Time Table

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule: Your complete guide to the match list, dates, and venues across India and Sri Lanka. Opening night kicks off February 7.

If you’re already looking forward to the next big cricket carnival, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule is finally taking shape. This time around, the tournament is heading back to the heart of the sport—India and Sri Lanka. We are looking at a massive 20-team field, which means more games, more underdogs, and a full month of prime-time cricket for fans in the subcontinent.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Full Match List, Dates, and Venues

This page is designed to be your primary hub for everything related to the 2026 fixtures. We’ve broken down the key dates, the grouping system, and the venues you’ll need to know if you're planning to catch a game live. From the opening toss in Mumbai to the trophy lift in Ahmedabad, here is the roadmap for the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup.

Last updated: December 21, 2025

By Gemini — Cricket writer covering ICC events & match analysis.

Quick Takeaways

• The Window: Mark your calendars for Feb 7 through March 8, 2026.

• Co-Hosts: India will host the bulk of the games, with Sri Lanka hosting three key venues.

• Format Change: 20 teams start in four groups; only the best eight move to the second round.

• India vs Pakistan: Set for mid-February in Colombo (Sri Lanka).

• The Big Final: Scheduled for the 132,000-seat stadium in Ahmedabad.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule: key dates

Breaking Down the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule is a marathon, not a sprint. With 55 matches packed into 29 days, the pace is going to be relentless. The ICC has stuck with the 20-team expansion that worked so well last year, giving associate nations a genuine shot at the big boys.

What makes this schedule interesting is the logistical split. While India hosts the majority of the knockout stage, Sri Lanka is the designated home for several high-profile group games. If you’re a fan of the Pakistan team, you’ll be spending your time in Sri Lanka, as all their fixtures are slated for Colombo and Kandy due to neutral-venue arrangements.

The Groupings: Who Plays Whom?

The teams have been seeded into four groups of five. It’s a simple "round-robin" to start—each team plays the other four in their group once.

• Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia (A heavy-hitting group).

• Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman.

• Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy.

• Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE.

The most anticipated date on the match list is undoubtedly February 15. That’s when India faces Pakistan in Colombo. It’s the kind of game that stops traffic across two nations, and having it during the group stage ensures the tournament gets off to a high-voltage start.

Understanding the Super Eight Stage

If you are new to the current World Cup format, the Super Eight is where the pressure really cranks up. The top two teams from Groups A, B, C, and D move into two new groups of four.

1. Group 1: Likely to feature the winners of Groups A and C, plus runners-up from B and D.

2. Group 2: Likely to feature winners of Groups B and D, plus runners-up from A and C.

Complete schedule of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Venues: Where the Action Happens

The tournament will be played across eight iconic stadiums. Each offers a different challenge—from the seaside humidity of Mumbai to the spin-friendly "dust bowls" of Chennai.

Indian Host Cities

• Ahmedabad: The massive Narendra Modi Stadium will host the final. It’s a bowl that can feel deafening when full.

• Mumbai: The Wankhede is a batter's paradise with a fast outfield.

• Kolkata: Eden Gardens remains the "Mecca" of Indian cricket.

• Chennai & New Delhi: These cities will host the bulk of the mid-tournament group games.

Sri Lankan Host Cities

• Colombo: Both the R. Premadasa and the SSC will be buzzing, especially for the India-Pakistan clash.

• Kandy: Pallekele is arguably the most beautiful ground in the tournament, surrounded by lush hills.

Planning Your World Cup Experience

If you're planning to follow the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule in person, you need to be smart about your travel. India and Sri Lanka are big countries, and flights can get pricey once the schedule is set in stone.

• Pick a Hub: If you want to see the most games with the least travel, stay in Colombo or Mumbai.

• Watch the Weather: February and March are generally excellent for cricket—warm and dry—but coastal cities can be very humid.

• Ticket Alerts: Don’t wait for the last minute. The ICC usually opens a "ballot" system where you apply for the games you want.

• Local Times: Most night games will start around 7:00 PM local time (IST), which is perfect for prime-time viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the T20 World Cup 2026 actually start?

The first ball will be bowled on February 7, 2026. India is expected to play their opening match on this day in Mumbai to kick off the home festivities.

Which city is hosting the 2026 final?

The final is confirmed for the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 8, 2026. It is currently the only stadium in the world capable of holding over 100,000 fans for a cricket match.

Can I see the full list of fixtures yet?

The ICC has released the framework and key dates, but the specific start times for every single match are still being refined. As of December 21, 2025, the broadcast timings for the warm-up games are not confirmed.

Is Pakistan playing their matches in India?

No. Based on the current agreement, all of Pakistan’s matches—including the "away" game against India—will take place in Sri Lanka.

How many teams are in the 2026 T20 World Cup?

There are 20 teams in total. This includes the major powerhouses and qualifying nations like Italy, who are making their first appearance.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season

The release of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule is just the beginning. Over the next few months, we will see teams experimenting with their playing XIs during bilateral series to find the right balance for these conditions. Whether it's the bounce of the Wankhede or the turn at Chepauk, every stadium will require a different strategy.

Keep this page bookmarked as we update it with official squad announcements and ticket portal links. It’s going to be a massive year for the sport, and you won’t want to miss a single wicket.