The infamous clashes between Pakistan and India during the 2025 Asia Cup have not dissuaded the organisers of the 2026 T20 World Cup, with reports suggesting the bitter rivals will be placed in the same group for the global tournament.
The details around the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 are firming up, and the latest reports coming out of India and Sri Lanka suggest that both the groupings and the schedule for the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash are all but locked in.
According to media reports, the 20 participating teams will be split into four groups of five, and the top two from each pool will progress to the Super Eight stage, which will then determine the semifinalists.
The biggest talking point, however, is Pakistan and India being placed in the same group. Their high-pressure meeting is expected on 15 February in Colombo, a venue that has hosted memorable contests between the two sides in the past. The group is likely to include the Netherlands, Namibia, and the United States alongside the arch rivals.
Co-hosts Sri Lanka are expected to feature in a pool that also includes Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman. Another group will reportedly bring together England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Italy. The remaining pool is likely to feature South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, the UAE, and Canada.
The tournament will reportedly run from 7 February to 8 March, with the formal schedule set to be unveiled on 25 November. India will stage matches in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lanka will host games in Colombo and Kandy.
Pakistan are slated to play all their group matches on Sri Lankan soil, a move aimed at ensuring a smooth and neutral environment. Ahmedabad has been earmarked for the final, but that plan will change if Pakistan qualify for the title match, in which case Colombo will take over hosting duties.
Mumbai and Kolkata have been shortlisted for the semifinals, although the venue allocation will depend on which teams advance. Should Pakistan make the last four, their semifinal will be shifted to Sri Lanka as part of the same arrangement.
With Pakistan and India renewing their rivalry in the 2026 T20 World Cup, the anticipation for the tournament has just gone through the roof.
