ICC Men’s T-20 World Cup 2026 Predictions: Who Will Win & Take Home the Trophy?

Namaste Cricket Enthusiasts!

The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is coming up soon in India and Sri Lanka. India won the last one in the Caribbean and the States, so they’re coming in as everybody’s favorites. However, T20 is full of surprises, and let’s witness how promising this season is gonna be!

Here’s what you should know about the 10th edition T20 World Cup tournament…

Tournament Schedule & Key Dates

It all starts on Friday, February 7, 2026, with Pakistan playing the Netherlands in Colombo at 05:30 GMT.

• Group Stage: Kicks off from Feb 7–20. Most days should have three matches.
• Super 8s: Start right after the group stage ends.
• Semi-Finals: Scheduled for March 4 and 5.
• Finals: Scheduled on Sunday, March 8, in Ahmedabad (Note: the venue could change).

Tournament Format: Explained

The format is just like the match held back in 2024:

• Group Stage: 20 teams split into four groups of five. Each team plays four matches. The top two from each group go on.
• Super 8s: The eight teams that qualified are split into two new groups of four. The top two from each Super 8s group move forward to the semi-finals.

Which Teams Are Playing?

All the 12 Test-playing countries are in for the tournament. Italy is playing for the first time. Scotland replaced Bangladesh since they had to drop out.

The Groups:

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

Host Venues

India: Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi
Sri Lanka: Colombo (two grounds), Pallekele

Important: The final is scheduled to happen at Ahmedabad, but if Pakistan makes it to the finals, the match will be moved to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Basic Tournament Rules

• Each team gets 20 overs to bat.
• The first 6 overs are a Powerplay fewer fielders allowed outside.
• If it’s a tie after 20 overs, a Super Over will be conducted (and more Super Overs if needed).
• Each team gets 2 reviews per innings to check the umpire’s calls via DRS.

Past Champions

Six different nations have won the nine previous T20 World Cups:

• 2007: India
• 2009: Pakistan
• 2010: England
• 2012: West Indies
• 2014: Sri Lanka
• 2016: West Indies
• 2021: Australia
• 2022: England
• 2024: India

Let the games begin! Which team are you supporting?