T20 World Cup 2026: India Pakistan placed in same group again

The upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026 has produced starkly contrasting group draws for co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, with the former landing in a relatively straightforward pool while the latter faces one of the tournament's most challenging lineups.

India, currently ranked number one in T20 cricket, will compete in a five-team group alongside Pakistan (ranked 7th), the Netherlands (13th), Namibia (15th), and the USA (18th).

With only two teams advancing from each group, India and Pakistan appear well-positioned to progress, though organizers will remember the 2024 tournament's surprise when Pakistan suffered an upset defeat to the USA.

Sri Lanka's path looks considerably more difficult. The co-hosts have been grouped with Australia (ranked 2nd), Zimbabwe (11th), Ireland (12th), and Oman (20th), creating what appears to be one of the tournament's most competitive sections.

Several other groups promise intense competition. England (3rd) and the West Indies (6th) will face Bangladesh (9th), Nepal (17th), and Italy (28th). Meanwhile, South Africa—last year's runners-up and ranked 5th—must navigate a tough group featuring New Zealand (4th) and Afghanistan (10th), along with the UAE (16th) and Canada (18th).

India will open their campaign against the USA before facing Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter will take place in Colombo. Indian venues include Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lanka will utilize two Colombo venues plus Kandy.

Ahmedabad is designated to host the final, though Colombo would serve as the alternative venue for both the semi-final and final should Pakistan reach the title match.

Mumbai and Kolkata are scheduled for the semi-finals, depending on which teams advance.

The ICC will officially announce these groups at a Mumbai event on November 25.

Following the 2024 format, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the Super Eight stage, with the top four then progressing to the semi-finals.