Overview
The T20 World Cup 2026 draw offers contrasting fortunes for co hosts India and Sri Lanka. While India enjoy a relatively simple group, Sri Lanka find themselves in a tough pool featuring several strong Test playing nations. The tournament promises intense competition across all four groups.
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| Image showing the official T20 World Cup 2026 group draw ceremony. |
India Benefit From a Favorable Group
India, the top ranked T20 side appear to have received one of the most comfortable draws for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sharing their group with Pakistan the only other Test playing nation they are joined by three Associate sides: the Netherlands, Namibia and the USA.
With two teams advancing from each group, India and Pakistan are widely expected to progress to the Super Eight stage without much difficulty. Their highly anticipated clash is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, though the outcome of the match is unlikely to affect either team’s qualification chances.
Pakistan shock defeat to the USA in the 2024 edition remains a reminder that upsets are always possible, but on paper, this group still heavily favours the subcontinental giants.
Sri Lanka Land in a Challenging Pool
While India enjoy a straightforward path, co-hosts Sri Lanka face a far more demanding group. Ranked eighth, the island nation has been placed alongside three Test-playing countries—Australia, Zimbabwe and Ireland—plus the improving Oman squad.
Australia dominance, Zimbabwe competitive rise and Ireland unpredictable T20 style make this group tightly packed with threats. It may well be considered one of the tournament’s ‘groups of death’.
Other Groups Also Packed With Threats
England, West Indies, Bangladesh Form a Power Cluster
England and West Indies, both former champions, are paired with Bangladesh, a strong side especially in Asian conditions. Their group also includes Nepal and Italy, the latter being the lowest-ranked team in the tournament. Despite this, the battle for the top two spots is expected to be fierce.
South Africa Face Strong Opposition
Last edition runners up South Africa have their own challenges. To qualify, they may need to surpass New Zealand or Afghanistan—two highly capable T20 sides. Their group also includes UAE and Canada, who on current form seem less likely to cause major upsets.
Tournament Schedule and Key Venues
India begin their campaign against the USA, followed by matches against Namibia, Pakistan and the Netherlands. As pre-agreed between the boards, the India–Pakistan match will be played in Colombo.
Host Cities in India and Sri Lanka
In India matches will be held in Mumbai, Kolkata Chennai Delhi and Ahmedabad. Sri Lanka will use both Colombo venues along with Kandy as its host cities.
Semifinals and Final
Ahmedabad is expected to host the final unless Pakistan qualify, in which case Colombo will take priority. Mumbai and Kolkata are in line to host the semifinals depending on which teams make the last four.
The ICC is set to officially release the full draw on November 25 in Mumbai.