T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule Released: India vs Pakistan on February 15

The ICC officially launched the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup schedule on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, confirming the most anticipated fixture in world cricket: India versus Pakistan on February 15, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo at 7:00 PM IST. The blockbuster group-stage clash will mark the ninth T20 World Cup meeting between the neighbors and is expected to shatter global viewership records once again. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament will run from February 7 to March 8, 2026, with the final set for the 132,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Twenty teams will contest 55 matches across nine venues, five in Sri Lanka (Colombo, Kandy, and Dambulla) and four in India (Delhi, Dharamsala, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad). The top two from each of the four groups advance to a Super 8 stage, followed by semifinals in Guyana and Trinidad before the title decider returns to Indian soil. Rohit Sharma, who captained India to an unbeaten triumph in the 2024 edition, was unveiled as the official tournament ambassador during the live broadcast from Dubai.

Speaking alongside ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice, Rohit expressed delight at the subcontinent hosting the event. “Winning the trophy in 2024 was the pinnacle of my career, and to be the face of the next World Cup on home soil is incredibly special,” he said, adding that he hopes to see packed stadiums when India takes on Pakistan in Colombo. The announcement triggered immediate excitement across both nations, with fans already planning travel and ticket strategies.

Also Read: Daryl Mitchell Ends Rohit Sharma’s Brief Reign as ICC ODI Batting Number One

Sri Lanka will host the opening match on February 7 in Colombo, marking the island nation’s first time co-hosting a men’s global ICC tournament since 2011. The Caribbean leg for the semifinals ensures reserve days and prime-time coverage for European and American audiences. Organizers confirmed that the Narendra Modi Stadium will also stage one semifinal if India qualifies, mirroring the arrangement used for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Ticket sales are expected to begin in January 2026, with priority access for previous buyers and ICC members. Hospitality packages for the India-Pakistan fixture in Colombo and the final in Ahmedabad are projected to sell out within hours. Travel agencies in both countries have already begun offering special packages, anticipating unprecedented demand.

With the schedule now locked, the countdown to what is being billed as the biggest T20 World Cup ever has officially begun. February 15 in Colombo and March 8 in Ahmedabad are already circled in red on calendars across the cricket world.

Also Read: Mumbai Indians Retain Rohit Sharma, Bumrah; Trade in Shardul Thakur, Rutherford