Mumbai, Nov 25 (NationPress) As the complete schedule for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup was disclosed at a grand event in Mumbai, ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed on Tuesday that the return of this prestigious tournament to the subcontinent will ignite unmatched passion across India and Sri Lanka, the co-hosts.

On February 7, India will kick off their title defense against the United States in a thrilling encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. This opening day will also feature former champions Pakistan and the West Indies competing in Kolkata and Colombo, respectively.

“It is a delight to welcome back the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to the subcontinent shortly after an unprecedented Women’s Cricket World Cup. The cricketing enthusiasm in this region is extraordinary, and fans have been eagerly anticipating another global event,” Shah stated during the fixtures announcement.

“The unveiling of the fixtures brings us closer to the tournament, and I am confident that the five venues in India and three in Sri Lanka will be buzzing with excitement throughout the event.

“The T20 format continues to propel the sport's global growth and will be highlighted at the LA Olympics in 2028. This upcoming edition will capture the hearts of millions. One can already envision the exhilarating atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium when the champions lift the trophy on March 8,” he added.

The world’s largest cricket venue, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, is set to host the final, while eight venues across the two nations will host matches: Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), SSC and R. Pallekele (Kandy), and Premadasa Stadium (Colombo).

Twenty teams will be divided into four groups of five for the tournament, following the same structure as in 2024. Pre-determined seedings will decide which two teams from each group progress to the Super Eights.

Group A: India, USA, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan

Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman

Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal

Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

All matches in Group B featuring Sri Lanka will occur exclusively on Sri Lankan soil. Pakistan will also conduct all their group matches in Sri Lanka. Venue adjustments are incorporated for the knockout stage: if Pakistan reach the semi-finals or final, Colombo will replace the designated Indian venues.

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, at the launch, remarked that the 2026 World Cup would signal “a new era of global marquee cricketing events.”

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is poised to usher in a new chapter of major cricketing events, both in terms of athletic performance and fan engagement,” Gupta mentioned. “With six different champions in under two decades, the tournament showcases the competitive spirit of the game.

“With 20 teams from five continents competing in cricket’s most unpredictable format and the tournament returning to its largest market after a decade, this promises to be a celebration for cricket fans globally. The ICC, alongside its partners, is dedicated to providing unparalleled experiences to enhance and expand the sport's fan base.”

Newly appointed ICC Brand Ambassador and captain of India’s 2024 title-winning team, Rohit Sharma, expressed that being linked with the event once more feels “extraordinary.”

“I have had the privilege of winning this tournament twice and can attest that every victory is unique,” Rohit stated. “Winning the title in 2007 as a young player and then lifting it as captain in 2024 were unforgettable experiences, but many matches hold equal significance for me.

“Surya’s incredible catch that secured our victory against South Africa in Barbados last time, Virat’s innings against Pakistan in Melbourne in 2022, and Yuvraj’s six sixes against England in Durban in 2007 are some of the most thrilling moments on the cricket field.”

Describing the return of the event to India as “fantastic,” Rohit added: “I wish all players the best and hope they create unforgettable memories while enjoying India’s hospitality.”

India and Sri Lanka will co-host the T20 World Cup for the second time, having previously done so in 2016 and 2012, respectively. India (2007, 2024) and England (2010, 2022) are the only two-time champions, with Pakistan (2009), Sri Lanka (2014), and Australia (2021) completing the roster of past winners.