As the 2026 T20 World Cup reaches its business end, the Super 8 teams’ race for a spot in the Top 4 has become a high-stakes puzzle. Unlike any previous edition, the journey to the trophy is governed by a “Hybrid Model” agreement, meaning the road to the final isn’t just about winning—it’s about where you win.
While the semi-finals and final were originally slated for India’s most iconic stadiums in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, the final list of venues remains flexible. Under this unique arrangement, the clash of the tournament’s top four sides will be distributed across India and Sri Lanka based on the specific identity of the qualifiers. Whether the ultimate crowning moment takes place under the lights of Ahmedabad or the humid shores of Colombo depends entirely on the political and logistical triggers of the knockout draw.
Due to the political deadlock between India and Pakistan, the ICC is using a Hybrid Model. This creates several “If/Then” scenarios for the semi-finals and final:
The Knockout Scenarios (The Hybrid Model)
Scenario A: Pakistan does NOT qualify for the Semis
- Semi-Final 1: March 4 – Kolkata, India
- Semi-Final 2: March 5 – Mumbai, India
- The Final: March 8 – Ahmedabad, India
Scenario B: Pakistan qualifies for the Semis
- The Shift: Pakistan’s semi-final must be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
- The Swap: If Pakistan qualifies, Semi-Final 1 moves to Colombo. If Pakistan and India are slated to play each other in a semi-final, that match will be the one moved to Colombo.
Scenario C: Sri Lanka qualifies (but not Pakistan)
- The Location: Sri Lanka will travel to India to play their semi-final in Kolkata or Mumbai. Unlike Pakistan, Sri Lanka is not restricted from playing in India.
Scenario D: A Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan FINAL
- The Big Move: If both co-hosts reach the final, or if Pakistan qualifies for the final against any other team, the Final moves from Ahmedabad to Colombo.
FAQ: The 2026 T20 World Cup Knockout Venue Guide
Q: Can Sri Lanka and Pakistan play each other in a semi-final?
No. Both teams are in Group 2. They play each other on Feb 28, but because of the bracket structure, they cannot meet again until the Final.
Q: Why are Pakistan’s matches only in Sri Lanka?
This is a political necessity. Following an agreement between the BCCI, PCB, and ICC, all Pakistan matches are held at neutral venues (Sri Lanka) to ensure the tournament proceeds without travel visa disputes.
Q: Does India play any matches in Sri Lanka?
India played Pakistan in Colombo during the group stage. However, for the Super 8s and knockouts, India will play exclusively in India unless they face Pakistan in the Final.
Q: Where are the semi-finals and final originally scheduled to take place?
Under the standard tournament schedule, all three knockout games are set for India:
- Semi-Final 1 (Mar 4): Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Semi-Final 2 (Mar 5): Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- The Final (Mar 8): Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Q: What happens if Pakistan qualifies for the semi-finals?
Due to the political agreement that Pakistan will not play in India, their semi-final match will automatically be shifted.
- The Venue: Pakistan’s semi-final will move to the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- The Adjustment: If Pakistan is in Semi-Final 1, the Kolkata game moves to Colombo. If they are in Semi-Final 2, the Mumbai game moves to Colombo.
Q: What if India and Pakistan face each other in the semi-final?
Since India and Pakistan are in separate Super 8 groups, they could meet in the semi-final if one finishes 1st and the other 2nd in their respective groups.
- The Venue: This match must take place in Colombo.
- The Impact: The other semi-final (not involving Pakistan) would remain in India (either Mumbai or Kolkata) to ensure the host fans still have a knockout game on home soil.
Q: What if Sri Lanka qualifies for the semi-final but Pakistan does not?
- The Venue: Sri Lanka will travel to India to play their semi-final in Kolkata or Mumbai.
- The Reason: Unlike Pakistan, Sri Lanka’s government has cleared the team to play in India. The move to Colombo is a specific contingency only for Pakistan.
Q: Where will the Final be held if Pakistan reaches it?
- Scenario A (Pakistan is in the Final): The Final will move from Ahmedabad to the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
- Scenario B (Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan Final): The Final stays in Colombo.
- Scenario C (India vs. Pakistan Final): The Final stays in Colombo.
Q: Where will the Final be held if Pakistan is NOT in it?
If Pakistan is eliminated in the Super 8s or the Semi-Finals, the Final will proceed as scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, regardless of whether India or Sri Lanka are playing.
Quick Scenario Summary Table
| Qualifying Teams | SF 1 Venue (Mar 4) | SF 2 Venue (Mar 5) | Final Venue (Mar 8) |
| No Pakistan | Kolkata | Mumbai | Ahmedabad |
| Pakistan qualifies | Colombo (Pak Match) | Mumbai (Non-Pak) | Ahmedabad (unless Pak in Final) |
| Pakistan & Sri Lanka | Colombo (Pak Match) | Mumbai (SL Match) | Ahmedabad (unless Pak in Final) |
| Pakistan in Final | Colombo (if in SF1) | Mumbai (if in SF2) | Colombo |
| Sri Lanka in Final (No Pak) | Kolkata | Mumbai | Ahmedabad |
