T20 World Cup 2026 Final Likely in Ahmedabad as ICC Shortlists Venues for the Tournament

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has identified several venues in India and Sri Lanka for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by the two countries. The tournament is expected to run from February 7 to March 8, 2026, with matches being played in both countries.

According to some media reports, a meeting between top BCCI officials decided that the T20 World Cup 2026 would be played in fewer cities than the 2023 World Cup, with each venue expected to host at least six matches.

The matches are expected to be held in five cities of India, which are Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai. The world’s largest cricket venue, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, is considered the frontrunner to host the final on March 8. In Sri Lanka, stadiums in Colombo and Kandy have been almost selected, while a third stadium is likely to be added later.

The Indian board has already decided that the venues that hosted the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup, which took place in Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Indore and Navi Mumbai, will not be considered for hosting the upcoming men’s tournament.

Meanwhile, the ICC has made it clear to the Indian board that if Sri Lanka qualifies for the semi-finals, the neighbouring country will play in Colombo. And if Pakistan reaches the final, the final match of the tournament will be played at a neutral venue.

The 2026 edition will feature 20 teams, following the structure of the 2024 tournament. The teams will be divided into four groups of five, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the Super 8 stage. After this, there will be semi-finals and finals.

                                               

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