The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is emerging as the frontrunner to host the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) expected to unveil the official schedule in the coming days.
According to The Indian Express reports, a recent meeting between top officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) resulted in several key decisions regarding the upcoming tournament. This edition of the T20 World Cup is set to be played across fewer Indian cities than the 2023 ODI World Cup, with each selected venue expected to host at least six matches.
The BCCI has shortlisted five major venues – Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai for hosting duties. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, which will co-host the event with India, is expected to stage matches at three venues, though the exact locations are yet to be confirmed. There is also uncertainty over whether Bengaluru and Lucknow will make the final cut as Indian host cities.
Also Read: Sunil Chhetri out of the India Squad: Head coach Khalid Jamil sheds light on this decision
Importantly, the BCCI has decided that venues which hosted the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup, namely Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Indore, and Navi Mumbai will not be considered for the men’s T20 tournament.
In terms of scheduling, the ICC has reportedly informed the Indian board that if Sri Lanka reaches the semi-finals, their match will be played in Colombo. Additionally, should Pakistan qualify for the final, the title clash will be moved to a neutral venue.
As part of an existing agreement between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), India and Pakistan will play their league-stage match in Colombo. The agreement, established ahead of the Champions Trophy, stipulates that the two nations will not travel to each other’s territories and will instead meet on neutral grounds.
The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup is expected to begin in the early part of the year, with the BCCI having already submitted its proposed schedule to the ICC.
If finalized, the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad could once again witness a marquee ICC final, an event that promises to draw massive crowds and global attention.
