T20 World Cup 2026 new schedule: Currently, the Super-8 round matches are going on in the T20 World Cup 2026. After this, two semi-finals and one final match will be played in the knockout stage of the tournament. Regarding these matches, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has indicated some major changes in the schedule, which will depend on the qualifying of the teams.
ICC issues new guidelines for semi-final venue
ICC has given new guidelines for organizing semi-final matches, in which R. Premadasa Stadium has been given an important role. This tournament is being hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka, hence a hybrid model has been adopted for the semi-finals. Under this model, the semi-final matches can be held in any order not only in Kolkata or Mumbai of India but also in Colombo of Sri Lanka. Notably, the first semi-final has been declared ‘floating’, meaning it will be played at either Colombo or Kolkata, depending on the qualification of the teams.
Qualifying status of Pakistan or Sri Lanka
According to ICC, if Pakistan reaches the semi-finals, they will face R.K. in Colombo on March 4. The match will be played at Premadasa Stadium. At the same time, if Pakistan does not qualify but Sri Lanka makes it to the semi-finals, then Sri Lanka will be able to play its match on its home ground in Colombo, whether the opposing team is India or anyone else. Initially the ICC had said that Sri Lanka was given priority for Pakistan’s semi-final and final matches, but now the possibility of Sri Lanka playing the home semi-final has also been added. According to the earlier schedule, Sri Lanka was to play the semi-final in India, but under the new rule, if Pakistan remains out, then Sri Lanka will get a chance to play in Colombo only.
Possible plan for India
If India reaches the semi-finals, they will most likely play the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, if it faces Pakistan, then this match can be shifted to Colombo. If neither Pakistan nor Sri Lanka reach the semi-finals, the first semi-final will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata and the second match will be played in Mumbai. Thus, this new schedule of ICC makes the organization of matches based on the performance and qualification of the teams, so that the event can be kept balanced in both the host countries.
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