Key points
- Colombo hosts if Pakistan qualify
- Sri Lanka get home semi-final chance
- India semi-final set for Mumbai
ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka could earn the chance to play a home semi-final at the 2026 T20 World Cup if they reach the last four and are not drawn against India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed in updated tournament guidance.
In a communication issued after the Super Eights line-up was finalised, the ICC detailed revised hosting arrangements for the semi-finals, introducing flexibility around venues depending on which teams qualify.
Under the updated structure, the first semi-final is a floating fixture and will be staged either in Colombo or Kolkata. The R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is set to host the match if Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, with Pakistan scheduled to play there on 4 March.
If Pakistan do not advance but Sri Lanka reach the last four and are paired against a side other than India, Sri Lanka will play their semi-final in Colombo.
However, if neither Pakistan nor Sri Lanka make it to the knockout stage, the first semi-final will take place in Kolkata, while Mumbai will host the second semi-final.
Semi-final pairings
The ICC also clarified that India, if they qualify, are expected to play their semi-final in Mumbai, unless they face Pakistan. In that case, the match would be moved to Colombo.
Should India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka all fail to qualify, the semi-final pairings would follow a standard format: Group 1 winners facing Group 2 runners-up in Kolkata, and Group 2 winners meeting Group 1 runners-up in Mumbai.
Since both Sri Lanka and Pakistan are in Group 2, a semi-final between the two is not possible.
The clarification adjusts the original November schedule, which focused primarily on Pakistan’s venue arrangements but did not explicitly address scenarios involving Sri Lanka qualifying for a home semi-final. The ICC has been contacted for additional comment.
