Everything you need to know about ICC T20 World Cup 2026

When is the T20 World Cup starting?
The World Cup begins today, February 7, and will end on March 8.

Where is it being held?
India and Sri Lanka are the cohosts. In India, the venues are Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. In Sri Lanka, Colombo (two grounds) and Kandy will host the matches.

Where will the final be played?
The venue for the final is yet to be confirmed. It would either be in Ahmedabad or Colombo, depending on Pakistan’s qualification.

How many teams are participating?
Just like the 2024 edition, 20 teams are featuring this year too.

What’s the format?
The 20 teams are divided into four groups, with the top two from each advancing to the Super 8, which will again be split into two groups. Super 8 groups will be seeded based on ICC rankings (see groups below): teams with ‘X’ seeding will enter Group 1 and those with ‘Y’ seeding Group 2. If a seeded team fails to finish in the top two, the qualifying team will take its place. The top two teams from each Super 8 group will advance to the semifinals.

Who is in which group?
Group A - India (X1), Pakistan (Y3), USA, Netherlands, Namibia
Group B - Australia (X2), Sri Lanka (Y4), Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
Group C - England (Y1), West Indies (X3), Scotland, Nepal, Italy
Group D - New Zealand (Y2), South Africa (X4), Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

Who are the previous champions?
'There have been six different champions across nine editions