The T20 World Cup is all set to return to Asia in less than a year's time as India and Sri Lanka will co-host the ICC competition in 2026.
The last time the T20 World Cup was hosted in India was back in 2016, where the hosts crashed out of the competition in the semi-final, losing to eventual champions West Indies.
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Sri Lanka last hosted the tournament in 2012, where they lost to West Indies in the final, but two years later, they bagged the trophy for the first time, beating India in the final in Dhaka.
Reigning champions India, who won the last edition in North America under Rohit Sharma's tutelage, will aim to defend their title on home soil.
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Where will the 2026 T20 World Cup final take place? Ahmedabad, Colombo among shortlist
According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, tentative dates have been decided to host the competition as the World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka between February 7 and March 8.
The report adds that at least five venues in India will host the matches, while two venues in Sri Lanka will be given the rights.
The final of the competition will be played either at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad or Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium.
The venue for the final has not been decided yet, as it depends on whether Pakistan qualifies for the match. Due to ongoing political tension between India and Pakistan, it is unlikely that the Pakistan cricket team will travel to their neighbouring nation.
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The T20 World Cup next year will see 20 teams competing. As of now, 15 have been confirmed for the, which include India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, USA, West Indies, New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, Netherlands and Italy. The remaining five slots will be filled by two teams from the Africa regional qualifier and three from the Asia and East Asia Pacific qualifier.
What next for the Indian cricket team?
For now, the Indian cricket team is focused on their title defence campaign in the Asia Cup 2025, and will begin their journey on September 10 against hosts UAE.