ICC T20 World Cup Kicks Off Amid Diplomatic Tensions Between India and Pakistan

Kathmandu. The 10th edition of the ICC T20 World Cup begins today across various cities in India and Sri Lanka. Against the backdrop of diplomatic deadlock and escalating tensions between South Asian neighbors, the 10th edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup is being held until March 8.

The 30-day tournament will feature 55 matches across eight venues: five in India and three in Sri Lanka.

T20 is a shorter and faster format of cricket compared to One Day Internationals (ODIs). In this format, teams have 20 overs per innings, and a match lasts approximately three to four hours. This format prioritizes power hitting and aggression, and the momentum of the game can shift in just a few balls.

• Here is everything you need to know about the tournament:

Where are the matches being held?
The tournament's opening match will take place on Saturday between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The final match is scheduled for March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.

Pakistan, the 2009 champions, has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to play all its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka instead of India, citing security concerns. This arrangement aligns with previous ICC decisions that allowed India to play its matches hosted by Pakistan at a neutral venue.

Other hosting cities include New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata in India, as well as Kandy in Sri Lanka.

• Which teams have qualified?

Twenty teams will participate in the tournament:

1. Afghanistan

2. Australia – 2021 Champion

3. Canada

4. England – 2010 and 2022 Champion

5. India – 2007 and 2024 Champion

6. Ireland

7. Italy – Making Debut

8. Namibia

9. Nepal

10. Netherlands

11. New Zealand

12. Oman

13. Pakistan – 2009 Champion

14. Scotland

15. South Africa

16. Sri Lanka – 2014 Champion

17. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

18. United States of America

19. West Indies – 2012 and 2016 Champion

20. Zimbabwe

Notably absent from this list is Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Cricket Board was removed from the tournament after its request to move its matches to a neutral venue due to government security concerns while playing in India was rejected, and the ICC invited Scotland in their place.

This will be the first time Bangladesh misses the Men's T20 World Cup.

In protest, the Pakistani government has stated it will not take the field for its scheduled Group 'A' match against India on February 15.

This decision comes amid rising tensions after Pakistan's Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, accused India of involvement in an attack in Balochistan last week. According to officials, at least 31 civilians, 17 security personnel, and 145 militants were killed in that attack.

Who are the previous winners?
India won the inaugural title in 2007 in South Africa, defeating Pakistan.

Pakistan won the title in 2009. England won in 2010, followed by the West Indies, who became the first multi-time winners by winning in 2012 and 2016.

Sri Lanka won in 2014, while Australia claimed their title in 2021. England won their second title in 2022. India then secured victory in 2024, joining the West Indies and England as the most successful teams in the tournament's history with two titles each.

No team has managed to win the trophy consecutively.

Match Schedule
The 20 teams have been divided into four groups, and each team will compete against the other teams in their group, totaling 40 matches.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8 stage, where they will be divided into two groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will enter the semi-finals, and the final match will be held on March 8.

What is the prize money?
The ICC has not yet announced the prize money for the 2026 tournament, but in 2024, the ICC allocated a total prize pool of $11.25 million, with the winner receiving $2.45 million. This was the highest prize money in the history of the tournament.