Ahmedabad: The Narendra Modi Stadium is set to play a major role in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, emerging as one of the busiest venues of the tournament. According to the official schedule announced on Tuesday, the world’s largest cricket stadium will host seven matches, including the grand final on March 8.

The 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will begin on February 7, 2026, with six teams in action on the opening day, including defending champions India. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, featuring 20 teams competing across eight venues over 29 days.

Ahmedabad will host four group-stage matches, two Super Eights fixtures, and the title clash. India will also play one league match at the venue, the February 18 game against the Netherlands.

However, there is a caveat regarding the final. If Pakistan progresses to the top two teams, the final will be shifted from Ahmedabad to Colombo, as India and Pakistan do not play bilateral matches in each other’s countries and opt for a neutral venue.

As per ICC, “All Group B matches, featuring co-hosts Sri Lanka, will take place exclusively across Sri Lankan venues. All of Pakistan’s matches will also be played in Sri Lanka.”

A total of 40 group matches will be played between February 7 and 20. The top two teams from each group will enter the Super Eights, beginning on February 21. The top four teams from the Super Eights will move to the knockouts, with semi-finals scheduled in Kolkata or Colombo, and Mumbai, ahead of the final on March 8 in Ahmedabad or Colombo, depending on the finalists.

Group Details

Group A: India, USA, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan
Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal
Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

Officials React

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said, “It is wonderful to welcome the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup back to the subcontinent so soon after a groundbreaking Women’s Cricket World Cup. The passion for cricket in this region is unmatched, and fans have been waiting eagerly for another global spectacle. The announcement of the fixtures brings us a step closer, and I have no doubt the eight venues will be alive with energy throughout the tournament.”

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta added, “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is expected to usher in a new era of global, marquee cricketing events. With 20 teams from five continents competing in the sport’s most unpredictable format—and the tournament returning after a decade to its biggest market—this promises to be a feast for cricket fans around the world.”

Host Venues

• Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

• MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

• Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi

• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

• Eden Gardens, Kolkata

• R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

• Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, Colombo

• Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy

Full fixtures for Men’s T20 World Cup 2026