T20 World Cup 2026 New Schedule: Scotland Replaces Bangladesh

Jan 30, 2026
Sports

Image: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8 (collected, Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP)

Staff Report: PNN

Cricket fans are focusing on India and Sri Lanka, where the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will start on February 7. This is the 10th edition of the tournament and will feature a total of 54 matches, concluding on March 8.

Following the expansion to 20 teams in 2024, 20 teams will again participate this year. However, before the tournament starts, a major change occurred. Due to security concerns, Bangladesh will not participate, and Scotland has been added in their place.

Group Division:

Group A: India, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan, USA
Group B: Australia, Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe
Group C: England, Italy, Nepal, West Indies, Scotland
Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, UAE

Matches will first take place in the group stage, after which the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8 stage. The best two teams from the Super 8 will advance to the semifinals, and the winners will play the final.

Schedule Summary:

Group Stage: February 7 – February 20
Super 8: February 21 – March 1
Semifinals: March 4 & 5
Final: March 8

Matches in India will be held in five stadiums and in Sri Lanka in three stadiums. Key stadiums include:

India: Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), M.A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi)
Sri Lanka: R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy), Sinhalese Sports Club (Colombo)

World-class cricketers will participate in this tournament, and every match promises excitement. This T20 World Cup provides opportunities for new records and unforgettable moments.