ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Venues List from India and Sri Lanka Revealed
The stage is officially being set for one of cricket’s grandest spectacles — the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. As excitement builds among fans worldwide, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has finalised the T20 World Cup 2026 venues that will host the matches. With 20 teams taking part across iconic stadiums, the 2026 edition promises to be both a sporting and cultural celebration of cricket in the subcontinent.
A Split Hosting Model: India and Sri Lanka Unite
For the first time, India and Sri Lanka will co-host a major ICC men’s event. The decision underscores the ICC’s goal of balancing modern infrastructure with regional passion. India’s world-class facilities make it a natural choice for the bulk of the fixtures, while Sri Lanka’s inclusion reflects both historical ties and the need for neutral venues for politically sensitive matches — especially those involving Pakistan.
Pakistan matches to be hosted in Sri Lanka
According to early reports, Pakistan’s matches will be held exclusively in Sri Lanka, marking a diplomatic and logistical compromise between the two boards. This arrangement allows the event to proceed smoothly while maintaining fairness and safety standards.
T20 World Cup 2026 Venues in India
India will play host to most of the tournament, with five major cities selected to host the matches: Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. These venues were chosen for their capacity, infrastructure, and international experience.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The world’s largest cricket stadium will host both the opening match and the final, according to BCCI sources. The venue’s capacity, exceeding 100,000, makes it the perfect stage for high-profile games and a potential India knockout.
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Known for its electric atmosphere and sea-side setting, the Wankhede will likely host one of the semifinals. The stadium’s intimate design brings fans close to the action — a feature that has made it iconic in world cricket.
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The historic venue is set to host key Super 8 matches. It remains one of the most storied grounds in cricket, blending heritage with modern upgrades.
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
The capital city’s stadium will see group-stage action and possibly an early knockout. Recently renovated, it combines fan accessibility with advanced facilities.
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Known for its sporting wicket and passionate fans, “Chepauk” is expected to be a key venue in the group stages, offering spin-friendly conditions that often test even the best batting sides.
T20 World Cup 2026 Venues in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will stage the matches involving Pakistan and several neutral fixtures. Three venues have been confirmed, each with unique characteristics.
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
This will serve as Sri Lanka’s main host venue, possibly accommodating a semifinal or final if Pakistan qualifies. Its central location and strong fan culture make it ideal for prime-time matches.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
Nestled amidst scenic hills, Pallekele offers stunning visuals and excellent facilities. It has hosted numerous ICC fixtures and remains one of the most picturesque grounds in the world.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
Built for large-scale events, Hambantota provides a modern, coastal setting and is likely to host early group-stage fixtures.
Tournament Dates and Format
The 2026 edition is expected to run from February to March 2026. The 20 qualified teams will be divided into four groups of five, followed by a Super 8 stage, semifinals, and the final.
India automatically qualifies as host, while teams like Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa have already booked their spots through the 2024 event rankings.
Significance of the Venue Choices
The selection of these venues highlights cricket’s expanding scale and commercial pull. India’s venues combine grandeur and world-class broadcasting capabilities, while Sri Lanka’s inclusion offers balance and neutrality. The decision also reinforces the BCCI–ICC partnership, with India taking the lead on logistics, sponsorship, and global broadcasting deals.
Beyond infrastructure, the choice of Sri Lankan venues for Pakistan’s matches reflects the ICC’s delicate diplomacy. It ensures that fans can still witness one of cricket’s biggest rivalries — albeit in a neutral setting.
Fan Experience and Economic Impact
The co-hosting model will provide a boost to tourism, with both nations expected to draw record crowds. Indian cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Chennai are already gearing up for fan parks, merchandise launches, and ticketing drives. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is also set to benefit, with fans likely to flock to Kandy and Colombo for marquee clashes.
The ICC’s commitment to “fan-first” infrastructure will see smart ticketing systems, improved stadium Wi-Fi, and sustainable waste management initiatives rolled out across key venues.
Looking Ahead
While the final fixture list is yet to be unveiled, anticipation is building rapidly. Stadium renovations are on schedule, and ICC inspections will take place by mid-2025. Once the schedule is released, fans can expect a clearer picture of which cities will host India’s key games — a factor that always drives early ticket demand.
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup promises more than just cricket — it will be a festival of cultures, fans, and emotions, uniting the subcontinent under one massive sporting banner.
