New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shortlisted Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai as the host cities for next year’s ICC T20 World Cup. The grand final will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket arena with a seating capacity exceeding one lakh.
The 2023 ODI World Cup final between India and Australia was also held at the same venue. The upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled for February-March 2026, will see India as co-hosts alongside Sri Lanka. According to reports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to release the full tournament schedule next week.
Sri Lanka will serve as a neutral venue for Pakistan, with matches set to be played across three locations, including Colombo. This arrangement follows the agreement between the ICC, BCCI, and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which states that all India-Pakistan fixtures until 2027 will be held at neutral venues.
As defending champions, India will aim to retain their title, having lifted the trophy in Barbados in June 2024. The five chosen Indian cities, all major cricketing hubs, are expected to attract massive turnouts throughout the competition.
If Pakistan qualifies for the final, the championship match will be shifted to Sri Lanka under the neutral venue agreement.
