The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will once again see India and Pakistan facing each other in the same group. The tournament is scheduled from February 7 to March 8, 2026, and promises high-stakes cricket action for fans across the globe.
Tournament Format and Group Details
According to Cricbuzz, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has finalized four groups of five teams each. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight, followed by the semifinals and final.
India-Pakistan Group Composition
India, currently ranked No.1 in T20Is, has been grouped with:
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Pakistan
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Netherlands
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Namibia
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USA
Both India and Pakistan are the only Test-playing nations in this group, while the remaining three are Associate members. The format gives the India-Pakistan pair a clear path toward the Super Eight.
Group match schedule (tentative):
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India vs USA
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India vs Namibia
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India vs Pakistan (scheduled in Colombo)
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India vs Netherlands
While this group appears favorable on paper, Pakistan’s historic upset by the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup serves as a reminder that results can be unpredictable.
Other T20 World Cup Groups
Sri Lanka’s Challenging Pool
Co-host Sri Lanka, ranked 8th, has been drawn with:
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Australia
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Zimbabwe
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Ireland
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Oman
With four full-member teams in a five-team group, Sri Lanka faces high-pressure matches from the outset.
Remaining Groups
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Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy
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Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, Canada
Venues and Knockout Stages
India’s matches will be held across Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lanka will host games in Colombo and Kandy.
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The Ahmedabad Stadium is slated to host the final, but if Pakistan reaches the final, Colombo may host one semifinal and the final.
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Mumbai and Kolkata are expected to host the other semifinal matches, with final allocations to be confirmed.
The ICC will officially announce the tournament draw at an event in Mumbai on November 25, 2025.
Conclusion
The T20 World Cup 2026 promises thrilling cricket as India and Pakistan renew their iconic rivalry. Fans can expect high-intensity matches, strategic gameplay, and memorable moments in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions of the T20 World Cup.
