ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council launched the first phase of ticket sales for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday. The council offered more than two million tickets in this phase. It announced the sale in a detailed statement that highlighted affordable pricing in both host nations. The ICC set ticket prices as low as INR100 in India. It also set prices from LKR 1,000 in Sri Lanka. These low rates aim to make the tournament widely accessible.
Affordable Pricing Designed to Boost Fan Participation
According to the ICC, the pricing strategy focuses on fairness and accessibility for global cricket fans. The council said the approach ensures that people from diverse backgrounds can attend matches. It further stated that the pricing reflects its commitment to equitable access. Moreover, the ICC plans to announce details of the second phase soon. The organisation described Phase I as a major step toward its goal of creating a global cricket celebration.
ICC Leadership Highlights Tournament Vision
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta called the ticket launch an important milestone. He said the council aims to deliver the most accessible ICC event ever staged. He added that the vision centres on allowing every fan to enjoy world-class cricket inside stadiums. The ICC emphasised that affordability remains central in this strategy. Gupta noted that the event should welcome fans not as distant viewers but as engaged participants.
Tournament Structure and Schedule Confirmed
India and Sri Lanka will co-host the 10th edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup from February 7 to March 8 next year. The tournament will feature 20 teams placed in four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage. This stage will divide qualifiers into two pools of four teams each. Pakistan will face the Netherlands in the opening match. India will also play the USA on the same day in Mumbai.
The group stage will end on February 20 with a match between Australia and Oman in Kandy. The Super Eight stage will run from February 21 to March 1. The semi-finals will take place on March 4 and 5. The final will be played on March 8 in either Ahmedabad or Colombo. The ICC will select the venue based on Pakistan’s qualification, as Pakistan will play all matches in Sri Lanka.
