The fixtures for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has finally been announced. During an event held in Mumbai on November 25, the ICC (International Cricket Council) revealed the schedule, with the first match is set to held on February 7th and the final on March 8th at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
20-team T20 World Cup 2026
This time, a total of 20 teams are participating, divided into four groups of five each. Italy is one of the teams included in this, which has successfully secured its place in this major ICC tournament for the first time. Meanwhile, a major statement has also come from former Indian captain Rohit Sharma regarding the Italian team.
Rohit Sharma surprise to see Italy
The ICC has appointed Rohit Sharma, former Indian captain and the man who led Team India to victory in 2024, as the brand ambassador for the T20 World Cup 2026. During an event in Mumbai, Rohit Sharma answered several questions about the tournament, admitting that all the teams participating are very good and that no one can be taken lightly. Regarding the Italian team, Rohit said, “I am quite surprised to see them. I hope to see more teams from Europe, Africa, and South East Asia in the future, which will be a big thing for the sport.”
Rohit Sharma, while answering a question about Team India, said during the program that I hope that the way our team showed its magic on the field last year, these players will be able to do the same this time too. Winning an ICC trophy is never easy, I have been successful in winning 2 trophies so far in my 18-year career.
Let us tell you that Team India will play its first match in the tournament against the USA team on February 7, while on February 15 they will face the Pakistan team. So far in the history of T20 World Cup, no team has been successful in defending its title.