Preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are gathering pace as cricket fans worldwide look forward to the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026. This will be the tenth edition of the global T20 tournament, featuring 20 teams competing across multiple venues in both countries.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently confirmed a change in the tournament lineup after Bangladesh withdrew, citing concerns over playing matches in India. Scotland has been included as a replacement and placed in Group C along with England, Nepal, Italy and West Indies.
Several teams have begun finalising their squads and training plans. Pakistan has announced its 15 member squad for the tournament, while Australia is dealing with fresh injury concerns that could affect its balance ahead of the competition.
The ICC has also released a revised fixture list to accommodate the change in teams, ensuring a smooth schedule for the group and knockout stages.
Major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai, will host key matches. In Sri Lanka, venues in Colombo and Kandy will stage important games. Organisers are working on stadium readiness, broadcast arrangements, ticketing systems and security measures to ensure a successful event.
One of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament will be the India vs Pakistan match scheduled for 15 February in Colombo, which is expected to draw global attention.
Officials from both host nations have stated that preparations are on track, with practice facilities being upgraded and warm-up matches planned ahead of the opening game.
With just weeks remaining before the tournament begins, teams are entering the final phase of their preparation, focusing on player fitness, strategy and match simulations.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events of the year, bringing together top international teams and emerging cricket nations in a month-long celebration of the shortest format of the game.
