This T20 World Cup 2026 schedule is a bit more complicated than the previous editions. Casual viewers might have already put forward their doubts regarding the Super 8s and what not. Now, it can get more complicated considering the venues are in the mix too. Most notably, Eden Gardens could lose out on hosting a semi-final if Sri Lanka make it through the Super 8s.
Sri Lanka’s qualification means no semis at Eden Gardens
As things stand, Semi-final 1 has been described as a floating fixture. It will either be held in Kolkata or at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The final decision depends on which teams qualify and who they are drawn against.
The ICC has communicated to stakeholders that if Pakistan reach the semi-finals, they will play Semi-final 1 in Colombo on March 4. That part was already known under the hybrid model agreed upon between the BCCI and PCB. Ever since the 2025 Champions Trophy, India and Pakistan have agreed to not play each other in either country.
However, there is another twist. If Pakistan do not qualify but Sri Lanka do, and if Sri Lanka are drawn against any team other than India, then Sri Lanka will play their semi-final in Colombo. In that scenario, Kolkata misses out, and Eden Gardens will not stage the match.
It is important to note that Sri Lanka and Pakistan are both placed in Group 2 of the Super 8s. That rules out the possibility of a Sri Lanka versus Pakistan semi-final. So the equation becomes clearer. If Sri Lanka go through and Pakistan do not, Colombo comes into play provided Sri Lanka are not facing India.
If neither Pakistan nor Sri Lanka make the last four, Semi-final 1 will go ahead in Kolkata as originally planned, while Mumbai will host the second semi-final. India, if they qualify, are set to play in Mumbai unless they face Pakistan, in which case that game shifts to Colombo as well.
Interestingly, the initial schedule released in November detailed provisions for Pakistan’s matches being moved to Sri Lanka but did not clearly spell out what would happen if Sri Lanka themselves reached the knockouts. This latest clarification has effectively opened the door for Sri Lanka to play a home semi-final.
Cricket
Eden Gardens to miss out on hosting T20 World Cup semi-final if Sri Lanka qualify from Super 8s
