The International Cricket Council (ICC) has found itself in a logistical puzzle ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-finals, with venues yet to be finalised due to multiple qualification scenarios involving Sri Lanka national cricket team, Pakistan national cricket team and India national cricket team.
As the Super 8 stage progresses, the ICC has confirmed that the venues for the semi-finals will depend on which teams secure qualification, particularly Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
According to reports, if Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play Semi-Final 1 in Colombo on March 4. In that scenario, Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium will replace Kolkata as the designated host.
Similarly, if Sri Lanka reach the semi-finals and are drawn against any team other than India, Semi-Final 1 will also be held in Colombo. As co-hosts of the tournament, Sri Lanka may be granted the advantage of playing on home soil.
The ICC has indicated that the final call will be based on logistical considerations and team progression in the Super 8 phase.
In the event of a high-voltage semi-final between India and Pakistan, the match will be staged in Colombo, regardless of the original schedule. Due to geopolitical tensions, Pakistan will not travel to India, prompting the need for venue flexibility.
However, if India qualify and face any team other than Pakistan, their semi-final will be played in Mumbai.
If neither Pakistan nor Sri Lanka make it to the semi-finals, both matches are expected to be hosted in India. Kolkata and Mumbai have been identified as the two venues under this scenario.
