ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Schedule, Teams, Live Streaming, Tickets & Complete Guide

The wait is finally over! The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 explodes across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, with the official schedule now released. All 20 nations are locked in for 55 electrifying matches at cricket’s most legendary venues—Narendra Modi Stadium, Wankhede, Eden Gardens, and R. Premadasa Stadium.

Defending champions India kick off against USA on February 7 , setting the stage for the tournament’s biggest showdown: India vs Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo, a clash that will stop the cricket world. From giants like Australia and England to first-timers Italy and Nepal, every match builds toward the ultimate finale on March 8 in Ahmedabad. The countdown starts now!

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Complete Match Schedule & Fixtures

Group Stage Matches (40 Matches)

The group stage delivers 40 matches packed with intensity, upsets, and qualifying drama across 14 action-filled days.

Super 8 Stage (12 Matches)

DateGroupTeamsTime (IST)
Sat, Feb 21G2NZ vs PAK6:30 PM
Sun, Feb 22G2SL vs ENG2:30 PM
Sun, Feb 22G1IND vs SA6:30 PM
Mon, Feb 23G1ZIM vs WI6:30 PM
Tue, Feb 24G2ENG vs PAK6:30 PM
Wed, Feb 25G2SL vs NZ6:30 PM
Thu, Feb 26G1WI vs SA2:30 PM
Thu, Feb 26G1IND vs ZIM6:30 PM
Fri, Feb 27G2ENG vs NZ6:30 PM
Sat, Feb 28G2SL vs PAK6:30 PM
Sun, Mar 1G1ZIM vs SA2:30 PM
Sun, Mar 1G1IND vs WI6:30 PM

Knockout Stage

Semi-Finals Schedule

The penultimate stage produces two matches that historically deliver the tournament’s most dramatic moments:

MatchDateTeamsVenueTime (IST)
Semi-Final 1March 4TBC vs TBCTBC6:30 PM
Semi-Final 2March 5TBC vs TBCWankhede Stadium, Mumbai6:30 PM

The second semi-final venue is confirmed as Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, while the first semi-final venue awaits official announcement.

Final Match Details

MatchDateTeamsVenueTime (IST)
FinalMarch 8TBC vs TBCTBC6:30 PM

The grand finale on March 8, 2026, crowns the T20 World Cup champion. While the venue awaits official confirmation, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad remains the frontrunner given its massive 132,000 capacity and world-class facilities.

T20 WORLD CUP 2026 Points Table

TeamMWLPTSNRR
IND44082.500
PAK43160.976
USA42240.788
NED4132-1.217
NAM4040-3.108
TeamMWLPTSNRR
ZIM43071.506
SL43161.741
IRE41230.150
AUS31220.414
OMA3030-4.546
TeamMWLPTSNRR
WI44081.874
ENG43160.201
SCOT41320.184
ITA4132-1.020
NEP4132-1.349
TeamMWLPTSNRR
SA44081.943
NZ43161.227
AFG3122-0.215
UAE4132-1.364
CAN3030-1.865

Venues & Host Cities

Indian Venues (5 Stadiums)

India contributes five iconic cricket cathedrals, each with unique characteristics:

Indian Stadium Details:

StadiumCityCapacityNotable Feature
Narendra Modi StadiumAhmedabad132,000World’s largest cricket stadium
Eden GardensKolkata66,000Historic atmosphere
Wankhede StadiumMumbai33,000Sea-facing venue
MA Chidambaram StadiumChennai38,000Spin-friendly pitches
Arun Jaitley StadiumDelhi41,000Capital’s premier ground

Narendra Modi Stadium hosts the tournament’s biggest matches with its staggering capacity. Eden Gardens brings historic gravitas, while Wankhede’s Mumbai location guarantees electric crowds.

Sri Lankan Venues (3 Stadiums)

Sri Lanka offers three grounds where cricket tradition runs deep:

Sri Lankan Stadium Details:

StadiumCityCapacityNotable Feature
R.Premadasa StadiumColombo35,000Modern facilities
Pallekele InternationalKandy35,000Scenic mountain backdrop
Sinhalese Sports ClubColombo20,000Colonial-era charm

R.Premadasa Stadium serves as Sri Lanka’s flagship venue with world-class infrastructure. Pallekele’s mountain setting creates unforgettable visuals, while SSC offers intimate old-world cricket atmosphere.

Venue-wise Match Distribution

Match Allocation by Venue:

VenueGroup StageSuper 8KnockoutsTotal
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad52TBC7+
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai7119+
Eden Gardens, Kolkata5106
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai7108
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi6107
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo6309
Pallekele Stadium, Kandy4307
SSC, Colombo5005

Mumbai and Colombo receive maximum matches, reflecting their cricket infrastructure and passionate fan bases. Chennai hosts most group stage games in India.

Live Streaming & TV Broadcast

Official Broadcasting Partners Worldwide

The ICC has distributed broadcast rights globally, ensuring maximum tournament reach:

Global Broadcasting Rights:

RegionBroadcasterPlatform
WorldwideICC.tvOfficial digital platform
AsiaStar Sports NetworkMulti-language coverage
AustraliaFox SportsCable/Satellite
AfricaSuperSportPan-African coverage
UK/EuropeSky SportsPremium sports channel

Indian Broadcasting Channels

Indian fans enjoy comprehensive multi-platform coverage options:

India Broadcast Details:

Platform TypeChannel/ServiceLanguagesAvailability
TelevisionStar Sports 1/2/3English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, BengaliDTH/Cable
DigitalDisney+ HotstarMultiple languagesSubscription/Free highlights
RadioAll India RadioRegional languagesNationwide

Star Sports provides dedicated Hindi and regional language commentary channels. Disney+ Hotstar offers both premium subscriptions and free highlights packages for wider accessibility.

Pakistan Broadcasting Channels

Pakistani cricket fans access matches through multiple traditional and digital platforms:

Pakistan Broadcast Details:

PlatformChannel/ServiceType
TelevisionPTV SportsFree-to-air
CableTen SportsPremium cable
DigitalTamasha appStreaming service

PTV Sports ensures free access for millions of Pakistani fans, while Tamasha app provides mobile streaming convenience for younger audiences.

UK & Europe Broadcasting

Sky Sports maintains exclusive UK rights with comprehensive coverage:

UK/Europe Coverage:

BroadcasterCountriesPlatform
Sky Sports CricketUK, IrelandSatellite/Cable/Streaming
Sky GoUKMobile app
Various NetworksContinental EuropeCountry-specific

Sky Sports delivers all matches live with expert commentary panels and in-depth analysis shows between fixtures.

Digital Streaming Platforms

Modern fans demand mobile-first viewing experiences:

Digital Streaming Options:

PlatformRegionsFeatures
Disney+ HotstarIndia, Southeast AsiaMulti-device, 4K streaming
ESPN+USAComprehensive US coverage
Kayo SportsAustraliaSports streaming specialist
STARZPLAYMiddle EastRegional streaming

These platforms offer multi-device flexibility, allowing fans to watch on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers without geographical restrictions within licensed regions.

Free-to-Air Coverage

The ICC mandates free-to-air availability in several markets ensuring maximum accessibility:

Free Television Coverage:

CountryFree ChannelSignificance
PakistanPTV SportsFull tournament
Sri LankaSLRCHome nation coverage
BangladeshGazi TVSelected matches
NepalNational broadcasterNepal matches guaranteed

Free-to-air coverage democratizes access, allowing fans without premium subscriptions to enjoy cricket’s biggest stage.

Tickets Information

Official Ticket Booking Platforms

Phase I ticket sales opened in December 2024, with official platforms ensuring secure purchases:

Official Ticket Platforms:

CountryPlatformWebsite/App
IndiaICC Official Portalicc-cricket.com
IndiaBookMyShowbookmyshow.com
IndiaPaytm Insiderinsider.in
Sri LankaSLC Official Partnerssrilankacricket.lk

Purchase exclusively through these verified platforms. Unauthorized resellers often sell invalid tickets at inflated prices, causing match-day disappointment.

Ticket Prices & Categories

Tournament organizers structured pricing for maximum accessibility across economic segments:

India Ticket Price Structure:

CategoryPrice Range (INR)View Quality
General Admission₹100 – ₹500Standard seating
Premium₹1,000 – ₹3,000Better views
Corporate Box₹10,000+Luxury experience
Hospitality Packages₹25,000+All-inclusive premium

Sri Lanka Ticket Price Structure:

CategoryPrice Range (LKR)View Quality
General Admission1,000 – 3,000Standard seating
Premium5,000 – 10,000Better views
Corporate Box25,000+Luxury experience

Entry-level pricing at ₹100 (India) and LKR 1,000 (Sri Lanka) makes cricket accessible to families and students, fulfilling the ICC’s inclusivity mandate.

When Tickets Go on Sale

Ticket Sales Timeline:

PhaseLaunch DateMatches Covered
Phase IDecember 2025Group stage matches
Phase IIJanuary 2026Super 8 matches
Phase IIILate February 2026Semi-finals & Final

Phase I covered group stage fixtures. Phase II will release Super 8 tickets once qualifiers are confirmed. Final phase tickets become available only after semi-finalists are determined, ensuring genuine fans get knockout match access.

Travel Packages & Hospitality

Premium tour operators offer comprehensive match-day experiences combining tickets, accommodation, and luxury:

Hospitality Package Features:

Package ElementBasicPremiumLuxury
Match Tickets
Hotel Stay3-star4-star5-star
Ground Transport
Meet & Greet
Stadium Food
Merchandise

These packages suit international visitors wanting hassle-free tournament experiences. Prices vary dramatically based on match importance and accommodation quality.

Live Scores & Match Updates

Where to Follow Live Scores

Multiple platforms deliver real-time match updates:

Live Score Platforms:

PlatformTypeFeatures
ICC Official AppMobileBall-by-ball, video highlights
ESPNcricinfoWeb/MobileDetailed commentary, stats
CricbuzzWeb/MobileFast updates, multiple languages
Star Sports AppMobileIntegrated with live streaming

ICC’s official app provides the most accurate scores directly from ground scorers. ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz offer expert analysis alongside scoring updates.

T20 World Cup History & Records

Tournament History (2007-2024)

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup revolutionized cricket when inaugurated in South Africa during 2007. India’s triumph over Pakistan in a thrilling final captured global imagination, proving Twenty20’s viability as major tournament format.

Pakistan won the second edition in England (2009), defeating Sri Lanka at Lord’s. England captured their maiden title in 2010 in the Caribbean, beating Australia. West Indies dominated the 2012 and 2016 editions, establishing themselves as format masters.

Sri Lanka broke through in 2014 on home soil, defeating India in Dhaka. Australia ended drought with 2021 UAE triumph over New Zealand. England joined elite company by winning 2022 Australian edition, becoming first nation holding both ODI and T20 World Cups simultaneously.

Past Winners & Runners-up

T20 World Cup Champions List:

YearHostWinnerRunner-upFinal Venue
2007South AfricaIndiaPakistanJohannesburg
2009EnglandPakistanSri LankaLord’s, London
2010West IndiesEnglandAustraliaBarbados
2012Sri LankaWest IndiesSri LankaColombo
2014BangladeshSri LankaIndiaDhaka
2016IndiaWest IndiesEnglandKolkata
2021UAE/OmanAustraliaNew ZealandDubai
2022AustraliaEnglandPakistanMelbourne

West Indies dominates with two titles, while India, Pakistan, England, Australia, and Sri Lanka have one each. This distribution highlights T20 cricket’s competitive balance compared to ODI World Cup’s more concentrated success.

Most Memorable Moments

The T20 World Cup has produced countless unforgettable moments that transcend cricket:

Iconic Tournament Moments:

YearMomentImpact
2007Misbah’s scoop shot dismissalIndia wins inaugural title
2007Yuvraj’s six sixesChanged T20 batting approach
2009Pakistan’s comeback triumphNational celebration amid troubles
2014Malinga’s final over defenseSri Lanka wins at home
2016Brathwaite’s four sixesWest Indies wins improbably
2022England’s MCG triumphFirst dual World Cup holders

Carlos Brathwaite’s four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes in the 2016 final remains cricket’s most dramatic finish. Needing 19 runs from six balls seemed impossible until Brathwaite’s power hitting rewrote probability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 runs from February 7 to March 8, 2026, across India and Sri Lanka. The tournament opens at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo and concludes at a venue yet to be confirmed, likely Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Twenty teams qualified for the tournament through various pathways: two hosts (India, Sri Lanka), seven automatic qualifiers from 2024 T20 World Cup top finishers, three through ICC rankings, and eight via regional qualification tournaments across six continents.

The format features four groups of five teams playing round-robin matches (40 group games total). Top two from each group advance to Super 8 stage split into two groups of four. Super 8 produces four semi-finalists, with winners contesting the final. Total tournament features 55 matches.

Purchase tickets exclusively through official platforms: ICC’s official portal, BookMyShow, and Paytm Insider in India; Sri Lanka Cricket’s official partners in Sri Lanka. Phase I tickets covering group stages already went on sale in December 2024. Phase II (Super 8) and Phase III (knockouts) follow as qualifiers confirm.

Broadcasting varies by region: Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar cover India and subcontinent; Fox Sports and Kayo Sports serve Australia; SuperSport broadcasts across Africa; Sky Sports handles UK/Europe; Willow TV and ESPN+ cover USA; PTV Sports and Tamasha app stream in Pakistan. Check local listings for specific channel information in your country.

Yes, full stadium capacities are planned across all venues. Post-pandemic cricket has returned to normal attendance levels. Ticket sales already opened, confirming fans will pack stadiums throughout the tournament. Venues range from intimate 20,000-capacity grounds to the massive 132,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium.