Details about the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 groups and the highly awaited Pakistan-India showdown have emerged ahead of the official schedule announcement.
The ICC will release the full schedule on November 25.
According to media reports, 20 teams will compete in four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8 stage.
Pakistan and India will feature in the same group, and the arch-rivals will meet on February 15 in Colombo. Netherlands, Namibia and the USA are also likely to join them in the group.
Co-hosts Sri Lanka will reportedly share their group with Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman. Another group is expected to feature England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal and Italy.
South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, the UAE and Canada are likely to form the remaining group.
The ICC T20 World Cup will run from February 7 to March 8. India will host matches in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lanka will host games in Colombo and Kandy.
Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka. Ahmedabad has been picked for the final, but if Pakistan qualify, the final will shift to Colombo.
Mumbai and Kolkata are the selected venues for the semifinals. The exact semifinal venues will depend on the teams that qualify, and Pakistan’s entry would move their semifinal to Sri Lanka.