T20 World Cup 2026 venues guide: What you need to know

The T20 World Cup 2026 venues are locked in, and the stage is set for a massive summer of cricket. If you are planning to follow your team across the subcontinent, this guide is your essential roadmap. The ICC and the host boards (BCCI and SLC) have selected eight stadiums to host the 55-match tournament. Five of these are in India, and three are in the tropical island of Sri Lanka.

T20 World Cup 2026 venues guide: What you need to know

This is not just a list of names. This is a deep dive into the conditions, the culture, and the logistics of every single ground. Knowing these venues is critical for your planning. A game in the cool hills of Kandy is a completely different experience from a humid night in Chennai. The red soil of Mumbai offers bounce that you simply will not find on the slow, turning tracks of Colombo.

We have broken down every confirmed stadium with details on pitch behavior, best stands for viewing, local travel tips, and what to expect from the atmosphere. Whether you are chasing the India vs Pakistan blockbuster or following a smaller team through the group stages, this guide covers it all.

Confirmed venues in India

India is hosting the heavyweight clashes, including the bulk of the Super 8s, both semi-finals, and the grand final. Traveling through India requires patience and planning, but the cricketing payoff is unmatched.

Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

This is the crown jewel of modern Indian cricket. With a capacity of 132,000, it is the largest cricket stadium on the planet. It will host the Final on March 8, 2026.

The Cricket Experience
The sheer scale of this venue is hard to describe until you are standing inside it. The "Ring of Fire" LED lights along the roof replace traditional floodlight towers, meaning there are no shadows on the pitch. For batters, this visibility is a dream.

The pitches here are unique. The ground staff maintains a mix of red and black soil pitches. If the match is on a red soil strip, expect good bounce and carry, similar to Mumbai. If it is on black soil, the ball tends to grip the surface and come onto the bat slower. In T20 cricket, this ground has recently favored batting first, but dew can be a massive factor in the second innings.

Fan Experience & Seating
Because the stadium is a bowl, the view is generally excellent from anywhere. However, the upper tiers are very high up. If you want to feel the speed of the ball, aim for the lower tier tickets (Level 1). The G Block and H Block offer great views behind the bowler’s arm.

Getting There
The stadium is located in Motera, which is a bit far from the main city center. However, the Ahmedabad Metro now connects directly to the stadium station. This is a lifesaver on match days when road traffic is gridlocked.

Local Insight
Ahmedabad is a dry city (no alcohol), but the food scene is incredible. Try the local street food at Manek Chowk after a night game. The weather in March will be hot and dry during the day, so hydration is key.

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Mumbai is the heartbeat of Indian cricket. It is set to host the second semi-final. If you only visit one venue in India, make it this one.

The Cricket Experience
Wankhede is famous for two things: red soil pitches and small boundaries. The red soil provides true bounce, which overseas batters usually love. You can trust the bounce here and hit through the line.

The sea breeze from the nearby Arabian Sea aids swing bowlers in the first few overs (think Trent Boult or Jasprit Bumrah). However, once the shine is gone, it is a six-hitting paradise. The "Wankhede Roar" is a real phenomenon; the noise reverberates off the cantilever roofs and creates a deafening atmosphere.

Fan Experience & Seating
The North Stand is legendary. This is where the most vocal fans sit. If you want a party atmosphere, book here. The Garware Pavilion offers a more comfortable, cushioned seat view. Be warned: the seats in the general stands can be tight, and legroom is at a premium.

Getting There
The stadium is right next to Churchgate Station, the terminus of the Western Railway line. Millions of locals use the trains, and it is the fastest way to get there. Taxis are also plentiful, but traffic in South Mumbai can be slow in the evenings.

Local Insight
Dew is almost guaranteed here for evening matches. Captains winning the toss will almost always bowl first. After the match, the Marine Drive promenade is just a short walk away. It is traditional for fans to walk along the sea face after a game.

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Eden Gardens is history wrapped in concrete. It is shortlisted for the first semi-final. While the capacity has been reduced to around 66,000 over the years, the noise is still unmatched.

The Cricket Experience
The outfield at Eden Gardens is one of the fastest in the world. A ball pushed through the gap will race to the boundary. Historically a spinner’s den, the new pitches laid in recent years have been excellent for batting, with scores of 200+ becoming common.

However, the twilight period here can be tricky. As the sun sets and the lights take full effect, the ball sometimes zips around for the seamers. Spinners still play a role, but they need to be quick through the air.

Fan Experience & Seating
The B, C, K, and L blocks are the concrete stands that host the most passionate fans. For a better view and amenities, look for tickets in the Club House upper tier. The "Eden Bell" is rung before the start of play, a tradition borrowed from Lord’s.

Getting There
Located in the Maidan area, it is well-connected by the Kolkata Metro (Esplanade Station). The ferry from Howrah is also a scenic way to cross the river if you are staying on the twin city side.

Local Insight
Kolkata loves its food. Park Street is nearby and is the go-to spot for dinner after a match. The humidity in Kolkata can be suffocating, even in February. Dress in light, breathable cotton.

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Chepauk is the home of spin. If your team relies on slow bowlers, this is where you want to watch them.

The Cricket Experience
The pitches here are traditionally dry, hard, and abrasive. They favor spinners and cutters. You will see fast bowlers taking pace off the ball rather than trying to bowl express speed. A score of 160-170 is often a match-winning total here, which makes for tense, tactical cricket rather than just a slugfest.

Fan Experience & Seating
The crowd in Chennai is famously termed the "most knowledgeable crowd" in cricket. They applaud good play from the opposition, which creates a sporting atmosphere. The I, J, and K stands were recently renovated and offer excellent ventilation, which is crucial in Chennai's heat.

Getting There
The stadium is practically on the beach. It is serviced by the Government Estate metro station and the Chepauk MRTS station. It is one of the most accessible grounds in the country.

Local Insight
It gets incredibly humid here. You will sweat even sitting still. The "Marina Beach" is a stone's throw away, but avoid going there right after a match as it gets overcrowded.

Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi

New Delhi offers high-scoring games and historic surroundings.

The Cricket Experience
For years, this pitch was low and slow. That has changed completely since the 2023 ODI World Cup. The square has been re-laid, and it is now a batting highway. Combined with very small boundaries (some barely 60 meters), miss-hits often sail for six. Expect plenty of balls to land in the stands.

Fan Experience & Seating
The architecture is unique, with the historic Feroz Shah Kotla fort ruins visible from the stands. The Old Clubhouse stand offers the best straight view. The Hill A and Hill B stands offer a more affordable, rowdy experience.

Getting There
The Delhi Gate metro station (Violet Line) is right next to the stadium. It is the best way to travel, as parking is non-existent.

Local Insight
February in Delhi is pleasant, unlike the scorching heat of May. It is a great time to explore the city. The famous "Paranthe Wali Gali" in Old Delhi is close by for a pre-match meal.

Confirmed venues in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka brings a carnival atmosphere to the World Cup. The island nation is hosting crucial group games, including the massive India vs Pakistan clash, and stands as the alternate host for the final.

R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

This is the main hub. It will host the India vs Pakistan game on February 15. If Pakistan makes the final, the summit clash moves here from Ahmedabad.

The Cricket Experience
RPS is a spinner's paradise. The pitch is slow and takes significant turn. Batters need to work hard for runs here. It is not a ground where you can just hit through the line from ball one. Patience is rewarded.

Rain is always a lingering threat in Colombo, even in non-monsoon months. However, the ground staff here are world-famous for covering the entire outfield in minutes.

Fan Experience & Seating
The atmosphere here is electric. The "Papare" bands (trumpets and drums) play non-stop, creating a rhythm that the crowd moves to. The C and D stands are usually the most vibrant. The Grandstand offers a calmer, elevated view.

Getting There
Located in the Khettarama area, it is best reached by tuk-tuk (three-wheeler). Traffic leading to the ground can be chaotic, so leave early.

Local Insight
Colombo has a relaxed vibe. Visit the Pettah market for a sensory overload before the game. The Dutch Hospital precinct is great for post-match food and drinks.

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy

Kandy offers the most scenic cricket experience in the tournament. Nestled in the hills, it is visually stunning.

The Cricket Experience
Unlike Colombo, Pallekele offers something for the fast bowlers. The cool evening air and the surrounding hills help the ball swing significantly in the first six overs. Under lights, the ball skids on nicely.

Fan Experience & Seating
The grass banks here are popular. You can sit on the grass, enjoy a picnic, and watch the cricket. It is a very family-friendly venue.

Getting There
Kandy is about a 3-4 hour drive or train ride from Colombo. The train ride is famous for its views, but tickets sell out weeks in advance. The stadium is about 30 minutes from Kandy town.

Local Insight
Kandy is the cultural capital. A visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic is a must. The weather here is cooler than Colombo, so bring a light jacket for evening games.

Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo

The SSC is steeped in tradition. It will host the tournament opener.

The Cricket Experience
Usually a Test venue, the SSC offers a fair balance between bat and ball. The bounce is consistent, and the outfield is lush. It feels more like a traditional cricket club than a modern stadium.

Fan Experience & Seating
The stands are smaller and lower, bringing you closer to the action. It has a "Lord's of Sri Lanka" vibe. It is generally quieter than the R. Premadasa but oozes cricket heritage.

Getting There
It is located in the posh Cinnamon Gardens area of Colombo. It is very central and easy to reach by taxi or tuk-tuk.

Travel and Logistics Guide

Planning a trip between two countries requires attention to detail.

Visas and Entry

• India: Most fans will need an e-Visa. Apply at least two weeks in advance. The official government website is the only place you should use.

• Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka offers an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). It is usually processed within 24 hours.

Moving Between Countries

There are frequent flights connecting India and Sri Lanka.

• Chennai to Colombo: The shortest and most frequent route (approx. 1 hour 15 mins).

• Mumbai/Delhi to Colombo: Direct flights are available and take 3-4 hours.

• Strategy: If you are following a team playing in both countries, using Chennai as your transit hub is the smartest, cheapest option.

Accommodation Tips

• Ahmedabad: Hotels sell out instantly for big matches. Look for hotels in nearby cities like Vadodara (1 hour by train) if Ahmedabad is full.

• Kandy: It is a small city. Booking early is non-negotiable. Homestays are a great alternative to expensive hotels here.

T20 World Cup 2026 venues list

The table below summarizes the key details for all eight venues.

How to use this venues guide

• Check the matchup: Spin-heavy teams (like Afghanistan) will be dangerous in Chennai or Colombo. Pace-heavy teams (like South Africa) will prefer Mumbai or Kandy.

• Watch for "Alternate" news: The Final moving to Sri Lanka if Pakistan qualifies is a unique condition. Keep your return flights flexible if you are a Pakistan fan.

• Prepare for weather: Colombo and Chennai are humid. Mumbai gets heavy dew. Ahmedabad is dry heat.

• Booking stay: Hotels in Ahmedabad and Kandy fill up months in advance. Book early to avoid price surges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the T20 World Cup 2026 final being played?

The final is scheduled for the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 8, 2026. However, there is a specific condition: if Pakistan reaches the final, the match will be moved to R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for security and logistical reasons.

Which stadium will host India vs Pakistan?

The blockbuster India vs Pakistan Group match is confirmed for R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15, 2026. This neutral venue was chosen to ensure smooth logistics for both teams.

How many venues are in India?

There are five confirmed venues in India: Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and New Delhi. Other traditional venues like Bengaluru and Mohali missed out on the final cut for this edition.

Is the schedule confirmed for all venues?

Yes, the ICC released the full schedule in late November 2025. Every match, from the group stages to the knockouts, has a confirmed venue and date.

Can I buy tickets at the stadium on match day?

No, physical ticket sales at the stadium are extremely rare for ICC events. You must book tickets online via the official ICC ticketing partner. For big games like India vs Pakistan or the Final, tickets sell out in minutes.

Summary

The T20 World Cup 2026 venues provide a perfect backdrop for a global tournament. You have the coliseums of India, like Ahmedabad and Eden Gardens, which offer scale and noise. Then you have the charm of Sri Lanka, with the hills of Kandy and the party vibe of Colombo.

Success in this tournament will depend on how well teams adapt. A strategy that works on the red soil of Mumbai will fail on the turning tracks of Chennai. For fans, the diversity of these grounds offers a rich travel experience. You can go from the chaotic energy of a Delhi metro ride to a scenic train journey through Sri Lankan tea plantations in the span of a few days.

Make sure you check the official /schedule to see where your team plays. You can also read our deep dive on the /teams to see who suits these conditions best. When you are ready, head over to /tickets to secure your seat before they are gone.