T20 WC 2026 likely to start from February 7

Agency:

The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup (WC) is expected to take place from February 7 to March 8, according to ESPNcricinfo, with India and Sri Lanka serving as co-hosts. A total of 20 teams will feature in the event.

At least five venues in India and two in Sri Lanka will stage the matches. The final has been earmarked for either Ahmedabad or Colombo, with the decision depending on whether Pakistan qualifies, as the two neighbours currently avoid playing in each other’s countries due to political tensions.

Although the ICC has yet to release the official schedule, it has already confirmed the tournament window to the participating nations.

The competition format will mirror the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA: 20 teams split into four groups of five, the top two from each advancing to the Super Eight, then divided into two groups of four, with the best two from each reaching the semi-finals.

That edition saw India crowned champions, defeating South Africa in the final at Barbados, across a total of 55 matches.