T20 World Cup 2026 : India and Pakistan will face off in Colombo on February 15 during the T20 World Cup, their first encounter since the Asia Cup. India, together with Pakistan, the United States, Namibia, and the Netherlands, will begin their war against the United States on February 7.
India-Pakistan Blockbuster Clash in T20 World Cup 2026
India and Pakistan will face off in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year in Colombo on February 15, according to the tournament schedule, which the International Cricket Council (ICC) will announce in Mumbai on Tuesday. The premier match will be the first time the two sides meet since India won a triptych of hot matches during this year’s Asia Cup, which also included plenty of on- and off-field drama. This will be India’s third match, taking place at the R Premadasa Stadium.
India’s Group Stage Schedule
According to ESPNCricinfo, India and Pakistan are grouped with the United States, Namibia, and the Netherlands. India will begin their campaign against the United States in Mumbai on February 7, the tournament’s opening day, before travelling to Delhi for a match against Namibia on February 12. Their last group game would be against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Tournament format and key dates
During the group stages, three matches will be played each day. The 2026 edition of the tournament will be place from February 7 to March 8, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan playing all of their matches in Colombo or Kandy. The tournament format remains intact, with 20 teams split into four groups of five teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, which will be divided into four-team groups. The top two teams from each round will advance to the semifinals.
Venues for the Super Eight and Knockout stages
If India advances to the Super Eight stage, its three Super Eight matches will be held in Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Kolkata. If India advances to the semifinals, the games will be place in Mumbai. Depending on whether Pakistan or Sri Lanka qualify, the other semifinal will be either in Colombo or Kolkata. The finals will be held in Ahmedabad. However, if Pakistan advances to the title match, it will most likely be played in Colombo.
Participating Teams
Aside from India and Sri Lanka, the two hosts, the other 18 teams competing in the event are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the United States of America, the West Indies, New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman, and the UAE.
Defending Champions
India is the defending champion, defeating South Africa in the 2024 final in Barbados.
