All ICC events to watch out for in 2026

Team India (Source: AFP)

The year 2025 will always be remembered as a special chapter in international cricket. Several teams delivered outstanding performances across formats, with India enjoying great success last year.

The Indian men's team lifted the ICC Champions Trophy in the UAE. Adding to the celebrations, the Indian women’s team created history by winning their first-ever ODI World Cup title.

South Africa also had a year to cherish in 2025, especially in Test cricket. They defeated Australia to win the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

As the cricketing world moves into 2026, fans can look forward to several exciting ICC tournaments. Here is a detailed look at three major ICC events scheduled for 2026.

Major ICC Tournaments in 2026

ICC T20 World Cup 2026

One of the biggest events on the cricket calendar in 2026 will be the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place from February 7 to March 8. The tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

India's major venues include Delhi, Wankhede Stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium, Eden Gardens, and MA Chidambaram Stadium. Sri Lanka will host matches in Colombo and Pallekele.

The 'Men in Blue' will enter the tournament as defending champions, led by Suryakumar Yadav, with Axar Patel as vice-captain. The competition will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups of five teams each.

In the first match of the tournament, Pakistan will face the Netherlands in Colombo.

• Group A: India, Pakistan, Netherlands, Namibia, United States
• Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman
• Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal
• Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

After the group stage, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Eight round. From there, the best teams will advance to the semi-finals and final.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be hosted by England from June 12 to July 5. Defending champions New Zealand, who won their first title in 2024, will aim to retain the trophy. Meanwhile, India will be eager to win their first Women’s T20 World Cup after finishing runners-up in 2020.

In the first match of the tournament, England will face Sri Lanka at Edgbaston Stadium on June 12. A total of 12 teams will compete across 33 matches in seven venues, including famous stadiums such as Lord’s, The Oval, Edgbaston, Headingley, Old Trafford, Bristol County Ground, and Hampshire Bowl.

• Group A: India, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, two qualifiers
• Group B: England, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, two qualifiers

Only the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for June 30 and July 2 at The Oval. The final will be played at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground on July 5.

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ICC Men's Under-19 ODI World Cup

The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 will be held from January 15 to February 6. The opening day will see India take on the USA, while Zimbabwe will face Scotland, and Tanzania will play against the West Indies. 

Tanzania will be making their tournament debut, while Japan returns after last appearing in 2020.

• Group A: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka
• Group B: India, Bangladesh, USA, New Zealand
• Group C: Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, Scotland
• Group D: Tanzania, West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa

After the league stage, the tournament will move into a Super Six stage, followed by semi-finals and a final. Matches will be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia, across venues like Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club, and Windhoek stadiums.