T20 World Cup 2026 update: India and Pakistan slotted in same group again; blockbuster clash on February 15

The T20 World Cup is set to return to the sub-continent after nine years. The 2026 edition, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will kick-off from February 7 with the final to be held on March 8. As reported already, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the final except if Pakistan qualifies for the summit clash. In such a scenario, Sri Lanka would host the final.

 

Meanwhile, the latest buzz from the tournament is about the arch-rivals India and Pakistan have been pitted in the same group once more. After the controversial incidents that occurred in the 2025 Asia Cup, this development does add spice to the incoming World Cup fixture, especially with India being co-hosts. The marquee clash, however, will obviously be played out at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka.

 

Apart from India and Pakistan, the group also has Netherlands, USA and Namibia. Meanwhile, co-hosts Sri Lanka find themselves in a tougher group featuring Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman. While the Aussies seem the only potential threat, Zimbabwe and Ireland have proven to be slippery opponents in T20 cricket. Oman have also shown that they are no pushovers.

 

Updates on the other two groups are still awaited. The official draws will be conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on November 25. Remember, the 2026 edition features 20 teams divided into four groups of five teams apiece. As per the neutral venue agreement between BCCI and PCB, Pakistan's games have all been scheduled in Sri Lanka.

 

Kolkata and Mumbai are prime contenders for hosting the semifinals while Colombo is the standby, should Pakistan make it to the last four.

 

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