Cricket fans are set for another blockbuster showdown as India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group for the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled from February 7 to March 8 and co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. According to a Cricbuzz report, the ICC has finalised four groups of five teams each, with only the top two qualifying for the Super Eight, followed by the semifinals and final.
India-Pakistan in Group A
India, the No. 1 ranked T20I team, will share their group with:
Pakistan
Netherlands
Namibia
USA
India and Pakistan are the only full-member Test nations in this pool, making them early favourites to progress. However, Pakistan’s 2024 T20 World Cup upset defeat against the USA serves as a reminder that the format often springs surprises.
India’s group-stage schedule (as reported):
vs USA
vs Namibia
vs Pakistan — scheduled in Colombo
vs Netherlands
Tough draw for co-hosts Sri Lanka
While India and Pakistan enjoy a relatively favourable grouping, co-hosts Sri Lanka face a challenging path. Ranked No. 8, they are bracketed with:
Australia
Zimbabwe
Ireland
Oman
With four full-member teams in one group, Sri Lanka begin their home World Cup campaign under intense pressure, as every match carries knockout-like stakes.
Other groups promise high drama
The remaining groups also present strong matchups:
Group C
England
West Indies
Bangladesh
Nepal
Italy
Group D
South Africa
New Zealand
Afghanistan
UAE
Canada
Each pool features a competitive mix of full-member and associate nations, hinting at a dramatic round of group-stage clashes.
Venues and knockout route
Matches in India will be hosted across:
Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.
Sri Lanka will hold fixtures in Colombo and Kandy.
The final is tentatively scheduled in Ahmedabad, but the ICC may shift the knockout matches depending on Pakistan’s qualification path. Reports indicate:
One semifinal → Colombo (if Pakistan qualify)
Other semifinal → Mumbai or Kolkata (final allocation pending)
The ICC is expected to make an official announcement regarding the draw during an event in Mumbai on November 25.
