t20 World Cup 2026: Tenth Edition Co-Hosted by India and Sri Lanka

Why the t20 world cup matters

The t20 world cup has rapidly become one of international cricket’s premier events, combining fast-paced action with global reach. Understanding its evolution and the staging of the 2026 tournament is important for fans, broadcasters and host cities planning for logistics, tourism and sporting legacy.

Recent history and format changes

Since its inception in the mid-2000s, the tournament has undergone several structural changes. Early years saw the competition established (2007–2009), followed by a scheduling move to even years from 2010. The field expanded to 16 teams in 2014, and the COVID-19 pandemic affected planning and staging between 2020 and 2022. In 2024 the event format expanded again to 20 teams, broadening participation and the qualification process. Official tournament arrangements continue to include qualification pathways and the pursuit of the ICC trophy.

2026 tournament: hosts and early schedule

The 2026 ICC Men’s t20 world cup will be the tenth edition and is confirmed to be co-hosted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sri Lanka. Early match listings for the competition show a cluster of group-stage fixtures scheduled in the first week of February 2026. Listed fixtures include:

• 2nd Match, Group C (D/N) — Eden Gardens, 7 February 2026 (match yet to begin)
• 3rd Match, Group A (N) — Wankhede, 7 February 2026 (match yet to begin)
• 4th Match, Group D — Chennai, 8 February 2026 (match yet to begin)
• 5th Match, Group C (D/N) — Wankhede, 8 February 2026 (match yet to begin)
• 6th Match, Group B (N) — Colombo (RPS), 8 February 2026 (match yet to begin)
• 7th Match, Group C — Eden Gardens, 9 February 2026 (match yet to begin)
• 8th Match, Group B (D/N) — Colombo (SSC), 9 February 2026 (match yet to begin)
• 9th Match, Group D (N) — Ahmedabad, 9 February 2026 (match yet to begin)
• 10th Match, Group A — Delhi, 10 February 2026 (match yet to begin)

These entries are drawn from early tournament schedules and are currently listed as “match yet to begin,” reflecting provisional status as organisers finalise details.

Conclusion and significance

The 2026 t20 world cup marks a milestone as the tenth edition and follows the 2024 expansion to 20 teams, underlining the format’s growth. Co-hosting by India and Sri Lanka concentrates multiple high-profile venues in a short period of early February, offering fans intense group-stage action and presenting logistical opportunities and challenges for both countries. As final fixtures and participating squads are confirmed, stakeholders should monitor official ICC announcements for ticketing, broadcast and qualification updates.