ISLAMABAD: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on February 7 with a triple-header across India and Sri Lanka, as Pakistan face the Netherlands in Colombo, West Indies take on Scotland in Kolkata, and defending champions India meet the USA in Mumbai to open the tournament.
The T20 World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, brings together 20 teams competing across multiple venues, with the group stage followed by the Super 8s and knockout rounds.
Defending champions India headline Group A alongside Pakistan, the Netherlands, the USA, and Namibia, as teams battle for early momentum in the shortest format’s biggest event.
The expanded 20-team tournament will feature 55 matches, culminating in the final on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Opening day on February 7 will see a triple-header across venues in both countries. Pakistan will face the Netherlands in Colombo, followed by the West Indies against Scotland in Kolkata. Defending champions India will then take on the USA in Mumbai.
India entered the tournament as defending champions after lifting the title in 2024. Under the competition format, the 20 teams are divided into four groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super 8 stage, followed by semi-finals on March 4 and 5.
The build-up to the tournament has been overshadowed by uncertainty over a high-profile Group A clash between India and Pakistan. Media reports have said Pakistan may forfeit its scheduled group match against India amid an ongoing diplomatic dispute related to venue arrangements, though the International Cricket Council has yet to issue a formal decision on points allocation or scheduling changes.
Despite the controversy, anticipation remains high as the shortest format’s flagship event begins, with hosts and contenders alike seeking early momentum in the race for the title.
With contrasting styles, emerging talent, and heavyweight contenders, Group A is set to deliver early drama as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway.
Group A also features co-hosts and defending champions India, alongside emerging forces USA and Namibia, making Group A one of the most diverse pools of the competition.
India eye historic title defence
India entered the tournament as firm favourites. With the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after the 2024 triumph, the side has entered a new era led by explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, who boasts the highest strike rate in T20I history. Jasprit Bumrah continues to spearhead the bowling attack, while Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin adds variety. Playing three of their four group matches at home, India will look to capitalise on familiar conditions.
Pakistan seek fresh start
Pakistan is aiming to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw them exit in the group stage for the first time. Now coached by Mike Hesson and captained by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan sit sixth in the T20 rankings, placing them just behind South Africa and ahead of the West Indies.
The return of Babar Azam adds stability to the batting, while fast bowler Naseem Shah — the youngest squad member — will be key as Pakistan look to rediscover the form that took them to the final and semi-finals in previous editions.
Netherlands and Namibia pose a threat
The Netherlands, appearing in their seventh T20 World Cup, have built a reputation as a dangerous opponent. Led by Scott Edwards, the side once again relies on the all-round contributions of Bas de Leede and the experience of veteran spinner Roelof van der Merwe.
Namibia, competing in their fourth consecutive World Cup, will draw confidence from their Super 12 appearance in 2021. With Ruben Trumpelmann leading the bowling and former player Craig Williams now head coach, Namibia will aim to upset the established sides.
USA looks to build on the breakthrough
After their breakthrough performance in 2024, including a famous Super Over win against Pakistan, the USA returned with confidence. Captain Monank Patel and highly rated batter Saiteja Mukkamalla headline a young side eager to prove their success was no fluke as they look to progress beyond the group stage once again.
