The International Cricket Council (ICC) is making history today by launching ticket sales for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with entry-level prices set at unprecedented lows to bring cricket’s biggest party right to fans’ doorsteps. Sales officially start at 18:45 IST, offering tickets as affordable as ₹100 (roughly $1.11) at select venues across India and LKR1000 (about $3.26) in Sri Lanka. This bold pricing strategy targets Phase I, which focuses on group-stage matches and releases over 2 million tickets to pack stadiums with diverse crowds.
As the landmark 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, this tournament represents a massive leap forward, expanding to 20 teams—the most ever—and delivering a thrilling schedule of 55 matches from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Co-hosted by cricket powerhouses India and Sri Lanka, it will unfold across eight world-class venues, blending the raw energy of T20 cricket with unprecedented accessibility. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter chasing every six or a casual fan drawn by the global spectacle, these low prices remove one of the biggest barriers to live attendance, inviting millions to feel the roar of the crowd up close.
Tournament Kickoff: Epic Openers and a Packed Schedule Across Iconic Venues
Excitement builds right from the opening ball, with the tournament opener pitting Pakistan against the Netherlands at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on February 7. Pakistan’s explosive batting lineup, led by stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi’s pace attack, faces a gritty Dutch side known for upsets—remember their shock win over South Africa in 2022? Just hours later, West Indies clash with Bangladesh at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, where Nicholas Pooran’s power-hitting meets Bangladesh’s spin wizards like Shakib Al Hasan in a battle of flair versus fight.
The day caps with a blockbuster: India versus the USA at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, reigniting memories of the 2024 semi-final drama while showcasing America’s rising talent from Major League Cricket. These marquee group-stage encounters set the tone for 55 high-stakes games, including Super 12s, semifinals, and the final—likely at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket venue with over 130,000 seats.
The eight host venues promise variety and nostalgia:
- Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad, India): Home to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, its massive capacity and modern floodlights will host key knockout stages.
- MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai, India): Chepauk’s spin-friendly pitch favors tactical battles, with a vibrant crowd famous for its passion.
- Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi, India): Delhi’s high-scoring ground has seen record T20 totals, perfect for fireworks under lights.
- Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai, India): Iconic for India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, its sea breeze adds unpredictability to chases.
- Eden Gardens (Kolkata, India): The second-largest stadium globally, its history includes legendary India-Pakistan night games.
- R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo, Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka’s fortress, with a capacity of 35,000, buzzing for openers.
- Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (Colombo, Sri Lanka): Intimate yet electric, known for producing SSC centuries in T20s.
- Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy, Sri Lanka): Nestled in hills, its design amplifies seam movement and fan energy.
This venue mix ensures balanced play—bouncy Indian pitches for pace, turning Sri Lankan tracks for spinners—while accommodating huge crowds for what ICC calls the most ambitious T20 event yet.
Affordability Drive: ICC’s Push to Democratize Live Cricket for Every Fan
By slashing Phase I prices to ₹100 in India and LKR1000 in Sri Lanka, the ICC is tackling head-on the challenge of high ticket costs that have kept many fans at home. These entry-gate tickets target general admission for group games at less premium sections, with higher tiers available for premium seating or later phases covering playoffs. The goal? Fill stadiums to capacity, creating that unmatched T20 vibe of chants, Mexican waves, and boundary roars that screens can’t replicate.
This isn’t just about price—it’s a full fan-first strategy. Expect seamless digital ticketing via official apps, family bundles, and loyalty perks for past ICC attendees. In India, platforms like BookMyShow handle sales; in Sri Lanka, local partners ensure quick access. With 20 teams from every continent, including newcomers like Uganda and Papua New Guinea alongside giants like Australia and England, the diversity on and off the field will make this a true global festival.
Leaders’ Vision: Building the Most Inclusive T20 World Cup in History
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta captured the moment“Phase I marks a key step toward our dream of the most accessible ICC event ever. We want every fan—regardless of background, location, or wallet—to grab a seat and dive into world-class cricket. Starting at ₹100 and LKR1000 puts affordability front and center, flinging open the stadium gates for millions to join the global cricket party. Not watching from afar, but living the pulse-pounding energy only live T20 can deliver. This 20-team, 55-match spectacle will redefine excellence in competition, fan access, and connection—we’re bringing the world together through the game.”
BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia highlighted India’s role“Tickets from ₹100 skyrocket the buzz across the nation. We’re crafting a match-day experience that screams India’s cricket madness: cutting-edge stadiums, hassle-free transport, logistics that flow smoothly, and venues alive with raw energy. This is your chance to unite with fellow fans in T20’s most explosive format. We’ve teamed up with everyone involved to guarantee comfort, ease, and an epic vibe fit for the world stage. Fans from India and beyond, come make unforgettable memories.”
Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva beamed with pride“Co-hosting with India is an honor, and we’re ready to roll out the red carpet for global fans. Phase I is live—snap up those tickets early to claim your view of every six and wicket. Our stadiums will explode with passion as crowds fuel the world’s top teams in T20’s pure thrill. Beyond the cricket, this World Cup cements Sri Lanka as the ultimate host: warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and memories that last a lifetime.”
This expanded push for inclusion builds on lessons from past World Cups, where sold-out crowds drove record TV viewership. Fans, mark your calendars—today’s sales could be your ticket to cricket immortality.
