The wait is over as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 officially begins on February 7, promising a thrilling mix of high-octane cricket and spectacular entertainment. With matches scheduled across India and Sri Lanka, the tournament opens with a grand ceremony aimed at setting the tone for weeks of nonstop action.
The opening match features Pakistan taking on the Netherlands at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club, while fans in India will focus on Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where the hosts face the United States of America later in the evening.
The ICC has planned a visually immersive opening ceremony starting at 6 pm IST, ahead of the India vs USA clash. The show begins with a musical medley by Rishab Sharma and Shivamani, creating a dramatic prelude before the tournament officially kicks off. The T20 World Cup Trophy will then make a spectacular entrance, flown into the stadium by a jetpack performer, adding to the excitement for fans inside the arena.
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Jay Shah and Rohit Sharma to Officially Open the Tournament
Once the trophy reaches the field, ICC Chairman Jay Shah and T20 World Cup ambassador Rohit Sharma will take center stage. Accompanied by 20 children representing each participating nation, they will formally declare the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup open.
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Star Performances by Badshah and Nora Fatehi
Entertainment highlights include Badshah, who will deliver a high-energy musical performance, followed by Nora Fatehi with a dynamic dance routine, supported by a large ensemble. The duo will join forces for a grand finale, wrapping up the show with a spectacular performance. The entire field will be transformed into a unified stage, complemented by pyrotechnics, mirroring the speed and intensity of T20 cricket.
T20 World Cup 2026 : Entry Guidelines for Fans
Only ticket holders for the India vs USA match will be allowed to attend the opening ceremony. Fans are advised to arrive early to enjoy the full lineup of performances.
With music, fireworks, and world-class cricket converging under one roof, the T20 World Cup 2026 opening ceremony promises an unforgettable start to what is expected to be an action-packed tournament.