The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 marks the tournament’s tenth edition and will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Running from February 7 to March 8, 2026, this tournament brings together 20 teams competing in 55 matches across eight world-class venues.
India will host matches at five stadiums, while Sri Lanka will host them at three. This co-hosting arrangement came about because Sri Lanka initially planned to host the entire event, but the expanded 20-team format required additional infrastructure.
The tournament carries special significance as defending champions India will look to become the first team ever to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title. They won the 2024 edition in Barbados under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.
This article covers all stadiums, pitch behavior, average scores, and ideal conditions for teams and bowlers at each venue. Fans can use this information to understand what to expect from matches at different locations.
Note: Venue details are based on the official ICC announcement. Pitch conditions may vary depending on match-specific preparation.
List of ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Venues
The ICC confirmed the following eight venues for the tournament on November 6, 2025:
| Venue’s | Country | City |
|---|---|---|
| Narendra Modi Stadium | India | Ahmedabad |
| MA Chidambaram Stadium | India | Chennai |
| Arun Jaitley Stadium | India | New Delhi |
| Wankhede Stadium | India | Mumbai |
| Eden Gardens | India | Kolkata |
| R. Premadasa Stadium | Sri Lanka | Colombo |
| Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground | Sri Lanka | Colombo |
| Pallekele International Cricket Stadium | Sri Lanka | Kandy |
The three Sri Lankan venues will host at least 20 matches, including all of Pakistan’s group stage games. The final will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 8, 2026.
1. Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India
Stadium Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 132,000 |
| Year Built/Renovated | 1982 (original) / 2020 (rebuilt) |
| Also Known As | Motera Stadium |
| Owned By | Gujarat Cricket Association |
Narendra Modi Stadium is the world’s largest cricket stadium. It replaced the original Sardar Patel Stadium, which was demolished in 2015 to make way for this modern facility. Built at an estimated cost of ₹800 crore, the stadium features 11 center pitches, four dressing rooms, and state-of-the-art LED lighting that eliminates the need for traditional floodlights.
Major Tournaments Hosted:
- 2023 ODI World Cup Final
- Multiple IPL matches and finals
- Various international bilateral series
Notable Matches:
- Sunil Gavaskar became the first cricketer to reach 10,000 Test runs here
- Kapil Dev surpassed Sir Richard Hadlee’s Test wicket record at this venue
- Suryakumar Yadav hit his first international delivery for a six here
Pitch Report
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium generally favors batters. The red soil pitches provide even bounce, allowing batters to play their shots freely. Fast bowlers can extract early swing, while the surface remains consistent throughout white-ball matches.
Key Characteristics:
- Batting-friendly surface with good bounce
- Pacers dominate, taking around 68% of wickets in T20Is
- Spinners find limited assistance in limited-overs formats
- The dew factor is minimal due to Ahmedabad’s semi-arid climate
- Teams batting first often prefer setting targets
Toss Factor: In T20Is at this venue, teams batting first have won 6 out of 10 matches. The pitch does not deteriorate significantly, making both batting first and chasing viable options.
Average Scores at This Venue
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score | Average 2nd Innings Score | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 160 | 127 | 234/4INDvs NZ | 66 INDvsNZ |
| IPL | 172 (last 5 matches) | 166 (last 5 matches) | 243 | 89 |
Highest Total at This Venue (T20Is)
Multiple high-scoring games have taken place here, with teams regularly crossing 160 in the first innings.
Lowest Total at This Venue (T20Is)
Teams have struggled when spinners enter the game, though exact figures vary by match.
Player Records
- Most runs and wickets records are held by various IPL players
- The venue has seen multiple individual centuries in franchise cricket
2. Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
Stadium Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 68,000 |
| Year Built/Renovated | 1864 (established) / 2011 (renovated) |
| Also Known As | Home of Indian Cricket |
| Owned By | Indian Army |
Eden Gardens stands as India’s oldest cricket stadium and has hosted more international matches than any other ground in the country. The stadium was named after the Eden family, relatives of Lord Auckland, the Governor-General of India.
Major Tournaments Hosted:
- 1987 ODI World Cup Final
- 2016 T20 World Cup Final
- Multiple ODI World Cup matches in 1987, 1996, 2011, and 2023
Notable Matches:
- The historic 2001 Test where India defeated Australia after following on
- Rohit Sharma’s record 264 in ODIs against Sri Lanka (2014)
- Carlos Brathwaite’s four consecutive sixes in the 2016 T20 World Cup Final
Pitch Report
The pitch at Eden Gardens provides a balanced surface for both batters and bowlers. The black cotton soil helps spinners as the match progresses. The well-maintained outfield makes boundary hits easy.
Key Characteristics:
- Good bounce and pace early in the innings
- Spinners become more effective in middle and later overs
- Teams chasing have historically had an edge
- The average first innings T20 score hovers around 170
- Winning first innings scores typically need to be in the mid-180s
Toss Factor: Since 2018, captains have preferred to bowl first in IPL matches. The pitch supports chasing teams, especially in day-night games.
Average Scores at This Venue
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score | Average 2nd Innings Score | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 143-156 | 130-140 | 201/5 PAK vs BAN | 70 BAN vs NZ |
| IPL | 170 | 140-150 | 262 | 47 |
Highest Total at This Venue (T20Is)
Pakistan scored 201/5 against Bangladesh during the 2016 T20 World Cup.
Lowest Total at This Venue (T20Is)
Bangladesh’s 70 against New Zealand in 2016 remains the lowest T20I total at this venue.
Player Records
- Virat Kohli leads India’s run-scoring charts at Eden Gardens in T20Is with 139 runs
- Rohit Sharma follows closely with 138 runs
- Marlon Samuels holds the highest individual T20I score (85*) at this venue
3. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Stadium Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 33,000 |
| Year Built/Renovated | 1974 / 2010 (renovated) |
| Located In | South Mumbai |
| Owned By | Mumbai Cricket Association |
Wankhede Stadium was built due to a dispute between the Cricket Club of India (CCI) and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). Named after S.K. Wankhede, the MCA secretary who drove its construction, the stadium quickly became the premier cricket venue in Mumbai.
Major Tournaments Hosted:
- 2011 ODI World Cup Final (India’s historic win)
- Multiple IPL seasons
- Numerous international matches
Notable Matches:
- Sachin Tendulkar’s final international match (2013)
- India’s 2011 World Cup triumph against Sri Lanka
- Several IPL finals
Pitch Report
Wankhede Stadium offers a batting-friendly surface with small boundaries. The flat pitch and true bounce allow batters to play their shots freely, resulting in high-scoring encounters.
Key Characteristics:
- Flat pitch that favors strokeplay
- Small boundaries (straight: 75m, square: 65m)
- Fast bowlers take more wickets than spinners in limited-overs cricket
- Dew becomes a factor in evening matches, especially during winter
- Teams chasing have often succeeded here
Toss Factor: Batting second can be advantageous due to dew, which makes the ball slippery and reduces bowling effectiveness. However, strong totals can still be defended.
Average Scores at This Venue
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score | Average 2nd Innings Score | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 172 | 160 | 247/9INDvsENG | 97ENGvsIND |
| IPL | 185 | 170 | 235 | 67 |
Highest Total at This Venue (T20Is/IPL)
India’s 247/9 is the highest total at this venue.
Lowest Total at This Venue
The lowest score recorded here is 97 inT2OI.
Player Records
- Lasith Malinga holds the record for most IPL wickets at Wankhede (68 in 43 innings)
- Harbhajan Singh’s 5/18 vs CSK in 2011 equals Wanindu Hasaranga’s 5/18 vs SRH in 2022 as the best IPL bowling figures
4. MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India
Stadium Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 38,000 (approximately) |
| Year Built/Renovated | 1916 (established) / 2023 (latest renovation) |
| Also Known As | Chepauk Stadium |
| Owned By | Tamil Nadu Cricket Association |
The MA Chidambaram Stadium is one of India’s oldest and most historic cricket venues. Named after a former BCCI President, Chepauk has witnessed many landmark moments in Indian cricket history.
Major Tournaments Hosted:
- IPL Finals (2011, 2012, 2024)
- Multiple ODI World Cup matches
- Several international Test matches
Notable Matches:
- India’s first-ever Test victory (1952 vs England)
- The tied Test between India and Australia (1986)
- Karun Nair’s triple century (2016 vs England)
- Virender Sehwag’s 319 against South Africa (2008)
Pitch Report
The Chepauk pitch is famous for helping spinners. The red-soil surface offers good initial bounce but slows as the match progresses, making spin a decisive factor.
Key Characteristics:
- Dry, hard red-soil surface with minimal grass cover
- Batting-friendly in the early stages with good pace
- Slows down later, developing cracks that help spinners
- Teams with strong spin attacks have an advantage
- Strike rates of around 136 are common in T20s
Toss Factor: Teams winning the toss prefer batting first about 57% of the time to exploit favorable early conditions before the pitch deteriorates.
Average Scores at This Venue
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score | Average 2nd Innings Score | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 174 | 150 | 182/4 INDvsWI | 165/9ENGvsIND |
| IPL | 170 | 140 | 246 | 70 |
Highest Total at This Venue (T20Is)
India posted 182/4 against the West Indies in 2013.
Lowest Total at This Venue (T20Is)
England’s 165/9 against India in 2025 is the lowest completed T20I total.
Player Records
- Shikhar Dhawan holds the highest individual T20I score at Chepauk (92 vs West Indies)
- Brendon McCullum’s 91 vs India is the second-highest
5. Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, India
Stadium Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 35,200-55,000 |
| Year Built/Renovated | 1883 (established) |
| Former Name | Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium |
| Owned By | Delhi & District Cricket Association |
The Arun Jaitley Stadium is the second-oldest functioning international cricket stadium in India after Eden Gardens. Situated near the historic Kotla fort, the venue was renamed after the late Indian politician Arun Jaitley.
Major Tournaments Hosted:
- 2011 ODI World Cup matches
- Multiple IPL seasons (home ground of Delhi Capitals)
- Various international series
Notable Matches:
- Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul in a Test innings against Pakistan (1999)
- Sachin Tendulkar’s 35th Test century, breaking Gavaskar’s record (2005)
- The 1000th men’s T20I match (India vs Bangladesh, 2019)
Pitch Report
The Arun Jaitley Stadium offers a batting-friendly track with short boundaries. The pitch supports strokeplay but can become two-paced as the match progresses.
Key Characteristics:
- Good batting conditions with the ball coming onto the bat
- Short boundaries favor big hitters
- Spinners get a turn as the game progresses
- Dew plays a significant role in evening matches
- Teams chasing have a slight advantage in night games
Toss Factor: In T20s, teams often prefer to bowl first to take advantage of dew during the chase.
Average Scores at This Venue
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score | Average 2nd Innings Score | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 165-175 | 160 | 221/9INDvsBAN | 120SLvsSA |
| IPL | 170 | 160 | 278/3 | 110 |
Highest Total at This Venue (IPL)
India’s 221/9 against Bangladesh remains the highest T20I score at this venue.
Player Records
- Various IPL records have been set here
- Shikhar Dhawan’s 80 off 52 balls vs New Zealand is a notable T20I knock
6. R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Stadium Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 35,000-40,000 |
| Year Built/Renovated | 1986 / 2011 (renovated for World Cup) |
| Former Name | Khettarama Stadium |
| Owned By | Sri Lanka Cricket |
The R. Premadasa Stadium is the largest cricket ground in Sri Lanka. Named after former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, who championed its construction, this venue is considered the “home of Sri Lankan cricket.”
Major Tournaments Hosted:
- 2012 T20 World Cup Final
- 2002 ICC Champions Trophy Final
- 2011 ODI World Cup Semi-Final
- 2023 Asia Cup matches
Notable Matches:
- The highest Test score in history (952/6 by Sri Lanka vs India, 1997)
- Sanath Jayasuriya’s record 340 runs against India
- Multiple ICC tournament finals
Pitch Report
The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium is known for assisting both batters and spinners. It can be a low to medium-scoring venue, with the surface favoring bowlers more in the second innings.
Key Characteristics:
- Spinners take approximately 72% of wickets
- Flat pitches that can assist batsmen
- Good bounce and pace with the new ball
- Dew becomes a crucial factor away from the sea
- Teams batting second have won more T20Is here
Toss Factor: Teams often prefer bowling first. In the last 27 T20Is, chasing teams won 19 times while teams batting first won only 8.
Average Scores at This Venue
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score | Average 2nd Innings Score | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 150 | 143 | 215/5BANvsSL | 80AFGvsENG |
Highest Total at This Venue
Bangladesh’s 215/5 against Sri Lanka in 2018 is the highest T20I total. The highest Test total is 952/6 by Sri Lanka against India in 1997.
Lowest Total at This Venue
Afghanistan’s 80 against England in 2012 was the lowest total in T20I
Player Records
- Sanath Jayasuriya scored 2,514 runs at this venue, the most by any player
- Muttiah Muralitharan took 36 wickets here, the most at R. Premadasa
7. Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Stadium Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 10,000 |
| Year Built/Renovated | 1952 (established) / 2026 (ongoing renovation) |
| Also Known As | Lord’s of Sri Lanka |
| Owned By | Sinhalese Sports Club |
The SSC Cricket Ground serves as the headquarters of Sri Lanka Cricket. Often described as the “Lords of Sri Lanka,” this intimate venue has hosted many historic matches and is known for its traditional charm.
Major Tournaments Hosted:
- 2002 ICC Champions Trophy group matches
- Multiple Test matches and bilateral series
Notable Matches:
- Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene’s world-record 624-run partnership against South Africa (2006-07)
- Chaminda Vaas’s 8/19 against Zimbabwe (best ODI bowling figures at the time)
- Sri Lanka’s first ODI win against a Test-playing nation (vs Pakistan, 1986)
The SSC is undergoing reconstruction ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup to host five matches during the tournament.
Pitch Report
The SSC pitch offers a balanced surface that helps both batters and spinners. The wicket tends to be good for batting initially but assists spinners as the match progresses.
Key Characteristics:
- Flat surface on day one that helps batters
- Significant spin assistance from day two onwards
- The average first-innings Test totals around 300
- Teams batting first have a slight advantage
- Spinners have historically dominated, with 7 of the top 10 wicket-takers being spinners
Toss Factor: Batting first provides an advantage at SSC, with teams winning around 55-60% of matches after setting a total.
Average Scores at This Venue
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score | Average 2nd Innings Score | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 170 | 150 | 176/3CANvsIRE | 140/6CANvsAFG |
Highest Total at this Venue
Canada has the highest total of 176/3 at this venue in T20I
Lowest Total at this Venue
The lowest total also belongs to Canada against Afghanistan, which is 140/6.
Player Records
- Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath have thrived here with their spin bowling
- Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene hold the world-record partnership
8. Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Stadium Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 35,000 |
| Year Built/Renovated | 2009 (opened) |
| Also Known As | Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium (unofficial) |
| Location | A26 Highway, about 30 minutes from Kandy city |
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium sits in a scenic location surrounded by hills and mountains. Built for the 2011 ODI World Cup, this modern venue has quickly become a favorite among players and fans.
Major Tournaments Hosted:
- 2011 ODI World Cup matches
- 2012 T20 World Cup matches
- Lanka Premier League matches
Notable Matches:
- Multiple high-scoring ODI encounters
- Various LPL finals and playoff games
Pitch Report
Pallekele offers a balanced pitch that serves both batters and bowlers fairly. The fresh wicket helps fast bowlers early, but batting becomes easier once the new ball loses its shine.
Key Characteristics:
- Good swing and bounce in the first few overs
- Batting gets easier as the ball ages
- Slower deliveries become effective later in the innings
- Spinners come into play under lights
- Expected scores range from 160 to 180 in T20s
Toss Factor: Teams batting first have won 14 out of 27 T20 matches at this venue. The balanced nature of the pitch means both options are viable.
Average Scores at This Venue
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score | Average 2nd Innings Score | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 161-165 | 155-160 | 263/3AUSvsSL | 88NZvsSL |
Highest Total at the Venue
Australia holds the record for the highest total at this venue, set against Sri Lanka in 2016. The total was 263/3
Lowest Total at the Venue
New Zealand’s 88 is the lowest score on the venue against Sri Lanka in 2019
Boundary Lengths
- Shortest boundary: 65-75 meters
- Longest boundary: 74-80 meters
Player Records
- Multiple LPL records have been set here
- Various international players have performed well at this picturesque venue
Weather Conditions Across Venues
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 takes place from February 7 to March 8, which falls during the dry season in both India and Sri Lanka.
India Weather Expectations
| City | Temperature Range | Humidity | Rain Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 20-32°C | Moderate | Low |
| Delhi | 10-25°C | Low | Very Low |
| Chennai | 22-32°C | High | Low |
| Kolkata | 18-30°C | Moderate | Low |
| Ahmedabad | 15-30°C | Low | Very Low |
Sri Lanka Weather Expectations
| City | Temperature Range | Humidity | Rain Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 27-32°C | High (70%+) | Moderate |
| Kandy | 20-28°C | Moderate-High | Low-Moderate |
Key Weather Factors
Dew Impact: Dew becomes significant during evening and night matches, particularly at:
- Narendra Modi Stadium (temperature drops to 24-26°C at night)
- R. Premadasa Stadium (away from the sea, dew is a deciding factor)
- Wankhede Stadium (coastal humidity increases dew formation)
Rain Interruption Probability:
- Indian venues have very low rain chances in February-March
- Sri Lankan venues, especially Colombo, have slightly higher but still manageable rain risks
- ICC has contingency plans for weather-related disruptions
Temperature Effects:
- Morning sessions may see some swing assistance for fast bowlers
- Afternoon heat can tire fielders and slow down outfield conditions
- Evening dew favors chasing teams by making the ball slippery
Which Venues Will Host Key Matches?
The ICC has confirmed the following venues for marquee matches:
Group Stage (February 7-20)
All eight venues will host group stage matches, with matches distributed across India and Sri Lanka.
Super Eight Stage (February 21 onwards)
- Super 8 Group 1 matches will be played in India
- Super 8 Group 2 matches will be played entirely in Sri Lanka
Semi-Finals
| Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Final 1 | R. Premadasa Stadium | Colombo |
| Semi-Final 2 | Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai |
Final
| Match | Venue | City | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final | Narendra Modi Stadium | Ahmedabad | March 8, 2026 |
Special Note: If Pakistan qualifies for the final, the match will be moved to Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium as per the BCCI-PCB agreement for neutral venues.
Summary Table of All Venues
| Stadium | City | Country | Seating Capacity | Pitch Type | Avg 1st Inn Score (T20) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narendra Modi Stadium | Ahmedabad | India | 132,000 | Batting-friendly | 145-180 | World’s largest stadium |
| Eden Gardens | Kolkata | India | 68,000 | Balanced, spin later | 143-170 | India’s oldest venue |
| Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai | India | 33,000 | Batting-friendly | 170-175 | Small boundaries |
| MA Chidambaram Stadium | Chennai | India | 38,000 | Spin-friendly | 174 | Red-soil pitch |
| Arun Jaitley Stadium | New Delhi | India | 35,200 | Balanced | 165-168 | Short boundaries |
| R. Premadasa Stadium | Colombo | Sri Lanka | 35,000 | Spin-friendly | 150 | Dew factor decisive |
| Sinhalese Sports Club | Colombo | Sri Lanka | 10,000 | Balanced, spin later | Data limited | “Lords of Sri Lanka” |
| Pallekele Stadium | Kandy | Sri Lanka | 35,000 | Balanced | 160-165 | Scenic mountain backdrop |
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FAQs
Eight venues will host the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Five stadiums are located in India (Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai) and three are in Sri Lanka (two in Colombo and one in Kandy).
Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is considered the best batting pitch. Its flat surface and short boundaries make it ideal for batters. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad also provides excellent batting conditions.
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the final on March 8, 2026. With a capacity of 132,000, it is the world’s largest cricket stadium.
Among Indian venues, Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai) has the highest average T20 score, with first-innings totals often exceeding 170. The MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai) also sees high-scoring games with an average of around 174.
The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch favors spinners, who take around 72% of wickets. The surface is slow with low bounce. Dew plays a crucial role in evening matches, making chasing easier. Teams batting second have won 19 out of the last 27 T20Is here.
No. As per the BCCI-PCB agreement, all of Pakistan’s matches will be held at Sri Lankan venues. If Pakistan reaches the final, the match will be moved to Colombo.
The first semi-final will be at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, and the second semi-final will be at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo has the smallest capacity at 10,000 seats. In terms of playing area, Wankhede Stadium has the smallest boundaries.
Phase I of ticket sales is already live. Tickets start at ₹100 in India and LKR 1,000 in Sri Lanka. Fans can purchase through the official ICC portal, BookMyShow, and Paytm Insider in India, and through authorized SLC partners in Sri Lanka.
Dew typically forms during evening and night matches, making the ball slippery for bowlers and reducing movement. This generally favors teams batting second. The effect is most pronounced at R. Premadasa Stadium, Wankhede Stadium, and Narendra Modi Stadium during night games.
