T20 World Cup 2026; India & Pakistan Likely To Share Same Group

According to multiple media reports, India and Pakistan are expected to be placed in the same group for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February to March. As per these reported details, the ICC is set to finalise four groups of five teams each, with only the top two progressing to the Super Eight stage. The official group announcement is expected at an ICC event in Mumbai on 25 November.

Reports Suggest Familiar Clash Between India and Pakistan

As per a Cricbuzz report, India—ranked No. 1 in T20Is—are expected to share their group with Pakistan, the USA, Namibia and the Netherlands. The report indicates that India and Pakistan will be the only Test-playing sides in the group, giving them a favourable path on paper towards the Super Eight.

Reportedly, India will begin their campaign against the USA, followed by matches against Namibia, Pakistan and the Netherlands. As per these early reports, the India–Pakistan fixture has been pencilled in for the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, consistent with the long-standing agreement that both teams will not travel to each other’s countries.

India’s Recent Dominance Adds to Context—According to Reports

Media reports discussing the potential group have highlighted India’s commanding recent form in T20 cricket. India reportedly defeated Pakistan three times in the Asia Cup 2025, including the final, reinforcing their current advantage in the rivalry.

However, these same reports also recall Pakistan’s unexpected loss to the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup, a reminder that Associate nations can still influence group outcomes despite India and Pakistan being favourites.

Reported Structure: 20 Teams, Four Groups

Based on information shared by Cricbuzz and other outlets, the 2026 T20 World Cup will feature a record 20 teams divided into four groups of five. Only two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Eight, after which the tournament will proceed to the semifinals and the final.

All group allocations mentioned so far are based on reported information, not an official ICC release.

‘Group of Death’ Also Highlighted in Reports

As per reports, the most challenging group could include England, the West Indies and Bangladesh, along with Nepal and Italy—creating one of the toughest combinations in the early stage.

Another reported group featuring co-hosts Sri Lanka includes Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman, forming a competitive pool with multiple full-member sides. Reports also indicate that South Africa may be grouped with New Zealand, Afghanistan, the UAE and Canada, making their route equally competitive.

Venue Allocation Also Based on Reports

According to details circulating in the media, India’s matches are likely to be played across major venues such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is expected to host matches in Colombo and Kandy.

The final is reportedly scheduled for Ahmedabad, but there are suggestions—again from reports—that this may change depending on Pakistan’s progress. If Pakistan make the final, Colombo could host one semifinal and the final, according to these early plans. Mumbai and Kolkata are also being considered for the other semifinal.

All these venue details remain subject to official confirmation when the ICC unveils the schedule.

Official Draw Expected Soon

Reports consistently note that the draw and final group announcement will be formally shared by the ICC in Mumbai on 25 November. Until then, all groupings and fixtures remain provisional and based on media leaks and early scheduling drafts.