Exploring the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with Maps and Charts
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to capture cricket fans’ attention across South Asia. This prestigious tournament will kick off on March 7, 2026, and conclude with the final on March 8. The event promises an exciting 30-day schedule featuring 55 matches held at eight venues, five of which are located in India and three in Sri Lanka.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The T20 cricket format is characterized by each team facing 20 overs, resulting in matches lasting approximately three to four hours. This approach encourages aggressive play and quick momentum changes, making for thrilling viewing.
- Opening Match: Colombo, Sri Lanka – Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground
- Final Match: Ahmedabad, India – Narendra Modi Stadium
Host Cities
The tournament will take place in the following cities:
- India: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad
- Sri Lanka: Colombo, Kandy
Participating Teams
A total of 20 teams are set to compete in the tournament:
- Afghanistan
- Australia – 2021 champions
- Canada
- England – 2010 and 2022 champions
- India – 2007 and 2024 champions
- Ireland
- Italy – debut appearance
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Oman
- Pakistan – 2009 champions
- Scotland
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka – 2014 champions
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- West Indies – 2012 and 2016 champions
- Zimbabwe
Notably absent will be Bangladesh, who withdrew due to government security concerns regarding matches in India. Scotland will replace them, marking their return to the tournament.
Previous Champions
India, Pakistan, England, West Indies, Australia, and Sri Lanka have all tasted victory in past tournaments. Here’s a brief summary:
- 2007: India (vs. Pakistan)
- 2009: Pakistan
- 2010: England
- 2012 & 2016: West Indies
- 2014: Sri Lanka
- 2021: Australia
- 2022: England
- 2024: India
As of now, no team has successfully defended their title in this championship.
Prize Money Insights
While the ICC has not disclosed the prize money for the 2026 tournament, the 2024 edition featured a record pool of $11.25 million. The winners of that tournament received $2.45 million, the highest in T20 World Cup history.
Match Structure
The 20 teams will be divided into four groups. Every team will compete against others in their group, leading to a total of 40 matches. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8 stage, creating two groups of four. The journey culminates with the semifinals and ultimately the final on March 8, 2026.
Stay tuned to El-Balad for more updates and in-depth coverage as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches.
