ICC chairman Jay Shah, left, with Brand Ambassador of 2026 T20 World Cup Rohit Sharma. File. Photo: X/@JayShah
Suryakumar Yadav, who will lead India’s T20 World Cup title defence in less than three months, made no attempt to hide the opponent he hopes to meet in the final of the 2026 edition.
“Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Australia,” he said with a smile when asked about India’s potential final opponent moments after the tournament schedule was unveiled on Tuesday (November 25, 2025).
Suryakumar was part of the Indian team that lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia at the same venue. He did not elaborate, but the packed auditorium sensed the lingering sting of that defeat.
Harmanpreet Kaur, who recently guided India to its maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title, agreed instantly.
“Australia is the only team we all want to beat. That game always stays with you. So that is the final (I want to watch),” she said.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain and now the Brand Ambassador of the 2026 edition, hoped the team focuses on staying composed regardless of the opposition.
“Whoever comes, the team should remain relaxed and calm. They should win without pressure. World Cups are rare — just enjoy the moment,” Rohit said, laughing that he sounded “like a mental coach”.
The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8, across eight venues — five in India (Delhi; Kolkata; Chennai; Mumbai; Ahmedabad) and three in Sri Lanka (SSC, Colombo; Premadasa, Colombo; Kandy).
Bengaluru — which missed out on the Women’s World Cup earlier due to restrictions following the stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebration — was once again excluded as the State government is yet to approve public gatherings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The Wankhede Stadium will host the second semifinal, while the Narendra Modi Stadium will stage the final unless Pakistan qualifies.
India’s full schedule
India vs USA (Mumbai) – February 7
India vs Namibia (Delhi) – February 12
India vs Pakistan (Colombo) – February 15
India vs Netherlands (Ahmedabad) – February 18
Groups
Group A : India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia
Group B : Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
Group C : England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
Venues
India: Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai
Sri Lanka: Colombo (R. Premadasa Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground), Kandy
* Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka.
ICC releases 2026 T20 World Cup schedule; India to face Pakistan in group stage
Published – November 25, 2025 07:52 pm IST
