The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 — one of the most highly anticipated cricket tournaments on the global calendar — started on 7 February 2026, bringing together 20 international teams, 55 high-octane matches, and millions of fans tuning in from around the world. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, opened with a bang, backed by the official anthem “Feel the Thrill”, composed and performed by Indian music maestro Anirudh Ravichander, setting a pulsating tone for fast, emotional, and unmissable T20 action.
This edition sees defending champions India begin their title defence against the United States in a marquee night match at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. Across the group stages, fans can expect fierce contests from heavyweights including England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka and more as teams compete to reach the Super 8s, semifinals and final.
Highlights of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 include the India vs USA opening clash, a run of thrilling group-stage matches across India and Sri Lanka, and the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown scheduled for 15 February at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium—a fixture that traditionally commands enormous global viewership and fan emotion. The India–Pakistan encounter has long been one of the most watched events in world sport, often shaping narratives well beyond the tournament itself.
However, the build-up to this marquee fixture has been overshadowed by uncertainty following official developments from Pakistan. While Pakistan’s cricket team has been cleared to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Government of Pakistan has stated that the team will not take the field for its scheduled match against India on 15 February 2026. In a formal statement issued on Sunday, it said, “The Pakistan cricket team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.”
“Feel the Thrill” — The Official Anthem Sets the Tone
The tournament’s official song “Feel the Thrill” has become more than just a soundtrack — it’s a rallying cry for fans and squads alike. With energetic beats and lyrics that celebrate national pride, impactful moments, and the spirit of cricket, the anthem reflects the pace and passion that every T20 match brings.
Match Venues — India & Sri Lanka (Group Stage & Beyond)
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be staged across eight iconic cricketing venues spread between the two co-host nations, India and Sri Lanka. In India, matches will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium, along with the historic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, the legendary Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and Eden Gardens in Kolkata, often referred to as the spiritual home of Indian cricket. Sri Lanka will host key fixtures at the R. Premadasa Stadium and the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo, as well as the scenic Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, ensuring a vibrant and diverse backdrop for the global T20 spectacle.
Below is the key match schedule covering major fixtures, dates, teams, start times (IST) and venues:
