Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium has been shortlisted to host one of the semi-finals while Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will host the opener and final of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026 which is likely to start from February 7 to March 8. Ahmedabad had hosted both marquee matches for the 2023 World Cup as well.
The Indian Express understands that in case there is a semi-final clash between India and Pakistan then both countries will play in Colombo and second semi-final will be held in Mumbai.
With Sri Lanka as co-hosts, the tournament will be played across eight venues between the two countries. While Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad are likely to host the Indian leg, Sri Lanka will see use three venues. It is understood that apart from the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pallekele and one among Dambulla and Hambantota will be the host venues.
There is no clarity on warm-up games, however, chances are Bengaluru might get few warm-up games. The Indian board is yet to decide whether they will host warm-up games in Centre of Excellence (CoE) or whether they will play in Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The Indian team is expected to play in all major four cities — Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai. Earlier, this paper had reported that Narendra Modi Stadium has been shortlisted to host the final as the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to announce the schedule in the coming days.
In a meeting held among top BCCI officials, it was decided that this time the World Cup will be played in fewer cities compared to the 2023 World Cup, and each venue is expected to get at least six games each.
With regards to Bengaluru, there is no clarity as it remains unavailable because of lack of safety clearance following the stampede incident during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory celebrations. Similarly, there is no clarity on whether Lucknow will be included among the host cities.
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The Indian board has already decided that those venues that hosted the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup won’t be considered to host the men’s tournament. Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Indore and Navi Mumbai hosted the Women’s ODI World Cup matches in India that concluded recently.
Meanwhile, the ICC has made it clear to the BCCI that if Sri Lanka qualifies for the semi-finals, the neighbouring country will be playing in Colombo. And if Pakistan makes it to the final, the tournament summit clash will be played at a neutral venue.
The Indian board has made it clear that the India are to face Pakistan, then the game would be played in Sri Lanka as per the agreement signed before. After India refused to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy and the two boards got into an agreement which will them play their matches at neutral venues in ICC and continental tournaments. The BCCI has submitted the schedule to the ICC.
