 "Narendra Modi Stadium has been hosting the most high profile games in recent times. Reuters")
Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad reportedly remains the frontrunner to host the final of the T20 World Cup that takes place in India and Sri Lanka early next year. The schedule of the tournament is expected to come out soon.
As per a report in The Indian Express, Ahmedabad has been shortlisted to host the final with the tournament likely to be held in fewer cities compared to the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
T20 World Cup 2026 likely venues
Five venues across India and three in Sri Lanka will host the entire tournament, according to the report. New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad will be the Indian venues with each of them expected to get six matches each. Ahmedabad, which has hosted multiple marquee games in recent times, is likely to get another final.
Dharamsala, Pune, Bengaluru and Lucknow were the other four centres that hosted games during the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Venues that hosted the recently concluded Women’s World Cup – Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Indore and Navi Mumbai – will also not be considered.
As per the report, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has submitted the schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
India vs Pakistan at neutral venue?
The marquee India vs Pakistan match-up will once again take place at a neutral venue as per the hybrid model agreement between the two boards. Co-hosts Sri Lanka will organise the India-Pakistan clash if it takes place.
If the final and semifinal also involve Pakistan, the same will take place at a Sri Lankan venue.
T20 World Cup 2026
All 20 teams for the T20 World Cup were decided in October 2025, and the tournament is scheduled to take place in February and March next year.
India are the defending champions and will start as favourites to retain the title but will face stiff challenge from Australia, South Africa, and England among others.