India and Pakistan are all set to lock horns once again as the 2026 T20 World Cup schedule is out. The arch-rivals will lock horns on February 15 in Colombo, as Pakistan will have another shot at trying to beat Team India.
This rivalry may have lost much of its old fire, but once again, all eyes are drawn to this clash - especially Pakistan’s. Even after losing three times in the Asia Cup, it seems their appetite for another shot still isn’t satisfied.
By the way, defending champions India and Pakistan have been placed in a group alongside the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia, which means the chances of these two sides facing each other twice in the tournament are pretty high. Unless, of course, Pakistan decide to spring another surprise and lose to the USA yet again.
Team India 2026 T20 World Cup schedule
The T20 World Cup, set to be played from February 7 to March 8, will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan playing all their games in Colombo or Kandy. India will start its campaign with their first group match against the USA in Mumbai on February 7, which will be the opening day of the T20 World Cup.
The Men in Blue will then face Namibia in Delhi on February 12, followed by Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. India's final group game is against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18. There will be 3 matches a day during the group stage of the tournament.
2026 T20 World Cup Format
The format is the same as the previous edition in 2024 in the USA and the West Indies, where the 20 teams were divided into five groups of four. The top 2 teams from each of the four groups will progress to a Super Eight phase, where they will be further divided into two groups of four each. The top two teams in each of the two Super Eights groups will qualify for the semi-finals, which will be followed by the final.
If India reach the Super Eight stage, their 3 matches will be in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata. If they make the final four, their semi-final will be in Mumbai. It is understood that the ICC has shortlisted Colombo or Kolkata as the other semi-final venue, depending on whether Sri Lanka and Pakistan qualify. The final will be played in Ahmedabad, unless Pakistan qualify, in which case it is likely to be in Colombo.
Which Teams are participating in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Apart from hosts India and Sri Lanka, the other 18 teams participating in the T20 World Cup are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States of America, West Indies, New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman and UAE
