The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026, is set for a unique venue plan. Reports say that if India and Pakistan meet in a semifinal, it will be played at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, while the other semifinal will be hosted at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Why the change?
This arrangement comes because Pakistan are unlikely to play matches in India due to ongoing political and security tensions between the two countries. To avoid complications, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and both cricket boards, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board), have agreed to let Sri Lanka act as a neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches. The rule states that any match involving Pakistan in India must take place at a neutral venue.
So, if Pakistan qualify for the semifinals or finals, those matches will be hosted in Sri Lanka. However, if they do not make it that far, India will host both semifinals, one in Mumbai and the other possibly in Kolkata or Chennai. Also if Sri Lanka qualifies for a semi-final, they will play in Colombo.
Opening Match & Final
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Semifinals
- Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (only if Pakistan or Sri Lanka qualify) Other Indian Venues (likely): Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru Sri Lankan Venues (likely): Colombo, Pallekele, and Dambulla
This co-hosting model ensures that both India and Sri Lanka share responsibility for hosting the tournament while also addressing political sensitivities.
Also read: Who is Akash Choudhary? Cricketer who hit 8 consecutive sixes in the Ranji Trophy?
Background and context
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be the 10th edition of the tournament, featuring 20 teams divided into groups, followed by Super 8s and knockout stages. It will be the first-ever Men’s T20 World Cup to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
India was originally meant to host the entire tournament, but after Pakistan refused to travel across the border, the ICC agreed to move Pakistan’s matches to Sri Lanka. This is similar to how the 2023 Asia Cup was split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Why fans are excited
An India vs Pakistan knockout clash is always one of the most awaited matches in world cricket. While fans in India may be disappointed that the blockbuster game won’t take place on home soil, playing it in Colombo ensures neutrality and fairness.
Meanwhile, the Wankhede Stadium, famous for its electric atmosphere and India’s 2011 World Cup win, will once again play a central role by hosting one of the semifinals.
What lies ahead
The ICC is expected to release the official schedule and fixtures for the 2026 T20 World Cup in the coming months. Until then, preparations in both countries are already underway to upgrade stadiums and facilities for one of the biggest cricket events in history.
Conclusion
If India and Pakistan meet in the semifinals, it’ll be held in Colombo. The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will host the other semifinal, while Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium is likely to stage both the opening match and the final of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Written by Kinjal Walantra