The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be the tenth edition of the tournament co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. A total of 20 countries will compete in 55 high-octane matches with group stages, Super 8s and knockouts following the successful format of the 2024 edition. The tournament will be held at eight popular venues, including the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The edition is also a historic debut for Italy, highlighting the T20 format’s growing global footprint as it nears its inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. Fans are looking forward to the final scheduled to take place on March 8 at the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.
‘You can never write them off’: Graeme Smith names favorite team to win T20 World Cup 2026
The South African legend performing in Durban on January 10, 2026 Graeme Smith named India as the main favorite for the upcoming World Cup despite the fact that the team is going through a period of structural change. Smith emphasized that the combination of home conditions and raw talent makes India an automatic candidate for the final four. He explained the current situation of the team under the leadership of the head coach Gautam Gambhir As an interesting watch:
“With India’s talent, you can never write them off. It’s a World Cup at home. It looks like an interesting transition phase in Indian cricket between Gautam (Gambhir) and the big players, and you know who’s next and how that transition happens. And it looks like an interesting place. So it will certainly be good to see how things go from India.” I’ll be very surprised at least in the last four. The Hindustan Times quoted Smith.
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Smith reveals T20 World Cup final dream
While acknowledging India’s prowess, Smith admitted his heart remains with the Proteas, especially after their narrow seven-run loss to India in the 2024 final. expressed his strong belief South Africa’‘s current squad, especially their ability to handle the subcontinental spin will be a determining factor in the matches in India and Sri Lanka. Smith openly shared his hope for a rematch in the final:
“Obviously I’d like us to beat India in the final (laughs). I think if Shukri (Konrad) and the team can get their combinations right, there’s a real opportunity for the team to do very well. You know, I think there’s a lot of quality middle-order spin there too, especially in India. So let’s know the world cup will be good.” Smith concluded.
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