T20 Men's World Cup 2026: Dates, Locations, Tickets

Cricket’s flagship Twenty20 tournament, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, promises nearly a month of high-octane action across India and Sri Lanka. The event runs from February 7 to March 8, 2026, marking the tenth edition of the competition and featuring 20 teams competing in 55 matches through group stages, Super Eights, semifinals and the final.

Dates & Locations

• Opening day: February 7, 2026 — Pakistan vs Netherlands (Group A) kicks off the tournament in Colombo, closely followed by West Indies vs Bangladesh in Kolkata and hosts India vs USA in Mumbai.
• Group Stages & Super Eights: Matches stretch across February in Ahmedabad, Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata (India) and Colombo, Kandy (Sri Lanka).
• Semifinals & Final: Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium is slated for the final on March 8, with semifinal venues shared between Kolkata and Mumbai — and Colombo as a contingency host if teams from Sri Lanka or Pakistan make the last four.

These venues include cricketing giants such as Eden Gardens, Wankhede Stadium, MA Chidambaram Stadium, R. Premadasa Stadium, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground and Pallekele International Stadium.

Ticket Prices & How to Buy

The ICC has strategically priced tickets to maximize accessibility and stadium attendance:

• Phase I tickets (group matches) went live on December 11, 2025, with prices starting as low as ₹100 (approximately $1.11) in India and LKR 1,000 (around $3.26) in Sri Lanka.
• Phase II tickets covering Super Eights and later rounds launched in January 2026, giving fans further opportunities to secure seats.
• Tickets are available via official channels such as the ICC portal (tickets.cricketworldcup.com), BookMyShow, and regional partners in both host countries.

Ticket categories range from general admission and standard seating to premium viewing and corporate boxes, catering to a wide spectrum of fan experiences.

Key Fixtures to Watch

Notable Group Stage Matches:

• England vs Nepal — a tightly contested fixture that saw Nepal challenge traditional powerhouses with a spirited performance.
• Sri Lanka vs Ireland and myriad clashes across India and Sri Lanka venues give fans early thrills and potential upsets.

As the tournament evolves, Super Eights and knockout rounds will reveal top contenders for the coveted trophy.

T20 World Cup Controversies

The 2026 edition hasn’t been without its fair share of off-field drama:

• India–Pakistan tensions: A boycott controversy surfaced when Pakistan and Bangladesh raised concerns over travel to India, prompting ICC discussions on security and scheduling.
• Pitch debates: Indian players voiced surprise at unexpected pitch conditions in Mumbai, adding a tactical subplot to group play.
• Traffic and crowd management: With massive spectator turnout expected, cities like Ahmedabad have implemented traffic curbs around major venues to ensure smooth match-day operations.

These storylines, from geopolitics to local logistics, add layers of intrigue to the cricketing spectacle.

Other Highlights

• Warm-Up Matches: Before the main event, teams participated in warm-up fixtures that showcased rising talents and offered fans early glimpses of form and strategy.
• Underdog Performances: Emerging teams like Nepal and Italy have turned heads with competitive displays, signalling a more unpredictable and thrilling tournament dynamic.
• Crowd Fever: With affordable pricing and packed venues anticipated across the subcontinent, the 2026 T20 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most fan-immersive editions yet.

From affordable ticketing and packed stadiums to rivalries rekindled and underdogs rising, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is more than a cricket tournament — it’s a month-long celebration of the sport’s global reach and cultural significance.