ICC releases T20 World Cup 2026 schedule, Eden to host 6 matches

Cricket's ultimate rivalry is back in the spotlight as the ICC rolles out the complete schedule for the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 today locking in a blockbuster group-stage showdown between India and Pakistan on February 15 at Sri Lanka's Colombo R. Premadasa Stadium. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, this ninth edition kickstarts from February 7 to March 8, featuring 20 teams split into four groups based on T20 rankings, with the top two teams from each advancing to the Super Eights starting February 21. Defending champions India in the top spot in Group A alongside Pakistan (7th), Netherlands (13th), Namibia (15th), and USA (18th). India will be playing with USA in Mumbai on the opening day 7th February, followed by Namibia in Delhi on Feb 12, the high-voltage Pakistan clash in Colombo on Feb 15 and further with Netherlands in Ahmedabad on Feb 18.

Group B brings home-soil sizzle for Sri Lanka (8th) with Australia (2nd), Zimbabwe (11th), Ireland (12th), and Oman (20th), while Group C pits England (3rd) against West Indies (6th), Bangladesh (9th), Nepal (17th), and qualifier Italy (28th). In Group D, South Africa (5th) joins New Zealand (4th), Afghanistan (10th), UAE (16th), and Canada (18th), promising underdog tales and heavyweight scraps across the nine venues.

Kolkata's Eden Gardens shines brightest, hosting up to six matches which includes West Indies-Bangladesh on February 7th, Bangladesh-Italy on Feb 9, England-Bangladesh on February 14, England-Italy on February 16, and West Indies-Italy on February 19 will be played in Kolkata. If Pakistan make it to the last four, they will play in the first semi-final but in that case, the match will be held in Colombo instead of Eden. Similarly, the final on March 8 could be moved from Ahmedabad to Colombo if Pakistan plays. The second semi-final will be held in Mumbai on March 5. The Super Eight stage of the World Cup will begin on February 21.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah named 2024-winning skipper Rohit Sharma as the tournament's brand ambassador, a fitting tribute to India's dominance. The grand finale crowns a champion on March 8 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium—potentially relocating to Colombo for fairness if Pakistan reaches the decider. This schedule doesn't just map out 55 matches; it reignites cricket's soul-stirring narratives, from borderless rivalries to rising stars, setting the stage for a month of non-stop thrills that could redefine T20 legacies.