DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday released the T20 World Cup 2026 schedule in Mumbai, confirming that India vs Pakistan match on 15 February in Colombo during the mega tournament.
The match will be their first encounter after three tense games in the 2025 Asia Cup. It will take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium and will be India’s third group-stage fixture.
India and Pakistan are placed in the same group in the 2026 T20 World Cup along with the United States, the Netherlands and Namibia.
India will open its campaign on 7 February in Mumbai against the United States, which is also the opening day of the World Cup. The team will then face Namibia on 12 February in New Delhi.
India will meet Pakistan on 15 February and play its final group match against the Netherlands on 18 February in Ahmedabad. Three group-stage matches will be played each day.
India and Sri Lanka will co-host the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, which will run from 7 February to 8 March. Pakistan will play all its matches in Colombo or Kandy.
The tournament format remains the same as the 2024 edition in the United States and West Indies. Twenty teams will be divided into five groups.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, which will split into two groups. The top two sides from each Super Eight group will qualify for the semifinals, followed by the final.
If India progresses, its three Super Eight matches will be held in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata. India’s semifinal, if it qualifies, is scheduled for Mumbai.
Media reports say the ICC has shortlisted Colombo and Kolkata for the second semifinal. The final decision will depend on whether Sri Lanka or Pakistan qualify.
The final is scheduled for Ahmedabad, but it may shift to Colombo if Pakistan reaches the title match.
World Cup 206 Qualifiers
Besides hosts India and Sri Lanka, the 18 participating teams are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the United States, West Indies, New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman and the UAE.
Also Read: Pakistan wins the Rising Stars Asia Cup Final
India enters the event as defending champion after defeating South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
