It’s that time of the year when cricket takes over everything else! Yes, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off today in India and Sri Lanka, where 20 teams will battle it out for the most exciting trophy in T20 cricket.

It’s the tenth edition of the T20 World Cup, played from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Fans can look forward to 55 fast-paced, thrilling matches, most of which will be played in India. Pakistan, however, will play all its matches in Sri Lanka, but they will not play India in the group stage.

India, as hosts and defending champions, hope to lift the trophy for the third time (after winning in 2007 and 2024). But they won’t be alone. The West Indies (2012, 2016) and England (2010, 2022) have also won the World Cup twice and will be eager to add another title. Former champions Pakistan (2009), Australia (2010) and Sri Lanka (2014) will be dreaming of joining the list of two-time winners.

Both host nations have experience, with Sri Lanka hosting in 2012 and India in 2016. One thing is certain: whether the matches are played in the five stadiums in India or the three venues in Sri Lanka, fans are in for plenty of excitement.

How the tournament works

For the second time the T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams, using the same format as the previous edition. There are four groups of five teams, and each team will play four matches in the group stage.

The top two teams from each group will move on to the Super 8 stage. Here, the best teams will compete for a place in the knockout rounds. Only four teams will qualify for the semi-finals.

The winners of the semi-finals will meet in the final on March 8, where the new T20 World Champions will be crowned.

With so many teams, non-stop action and explosive cricket, the T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be a tournament that cricket fans won’t want to miss!

India and Pakistan look favourites in Group A

Group A features two of the world’s strongest teams right now: India and Pakistan. India are the defending champions, while Pakistan are former winners who reached the final as recently as 2022.

The other teams in this group, the United States and the Netherlands, are known for surprising big teams on their day. In fact, the last time Pakistan played the USA, the match went to a Super Over, which the Americans won. The Netherlands’ famous victory over South Africa in 2022 is still remembered as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Namibia may look like the weakest team, but they surprised everyone by qualifying for the Super 12s in 2021 and finishing among the top 10 teams of the tournament.

Australia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe could dominate Group B

Group B includes strong teams such as Australia and Sri Lanka, as well as Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman. Australia are giants in Test and ODI cricket, but they haven’t been as dominant in T20s, which gives other teams hope.

Sri Lanka, under Sanath Jayasuriya’s leadership, could surprise many teams with their aggressive style.

Zimbabwe and Ireland cannot be taken lightly. Zimbabwe has beaten teams like Australia and England in past T20 World Cups. Ireland reached the Super 8 in 2009 and the Super 12 in 2022, and has often punched above its weight. Although they didn’t win a match in the last World Cup, with Paul Stirling leading the side, they could bounce back strongly.

Oman may be the underdogs, but even one surprise win could boost their confidence and change the course of the group.

England and the West Indies have an edge in Group C

Two-time champions England and the West Indies headline Group C. They are joined by Italy, Nepal and Scotland.

Italy will be playing in its first-ever T20 World Cup, while Nepal will hope to do better than in 2024, when it lost all its matches. Scotland comes in as a replacement for Bangladesh, which withdrew due to security concerns. Scotland is a competitive team, but the lack of preparation time could work against them.

England and the West Indies will still need to be careful. Any slip-up in the group stage could make life difficult in the Super 8s. With Harry Brook leading England and Shai Hope captaining the West Indies, fans can expect exciting, attacking cricket as both teams aim to win and entertain.

Group D: The group of death

Group D is easily the most competitive group of the tournament. Although none of the teams here have ever won a T20 World Cup, New Zealand, South Africa and Afghanistan always bring their best to big tournaments.

New Zealand were runners-up in 2021, while South Africa finished second in 2024. Afghanistan reached the semi-finals in 2024, but had a tough outing there. This time, they will be determined to create better memories for their fans.

The other teams, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, are still searching for their first big breakthrough at the World Cup level. On paper, the stronger teams look like favourites, but in T20 cricket, anything can happen!

With thrilling rivalries, surprise teams and non-stop action, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be a celebration of cricket that kids and fans around the world will love.

Published in Dawn, Young World, February 7th, 2026