Next year, India will host the T20 World Cup. The defending champions, Team India, will be led by Suryakumar Yadav. It is almost confirmed that the final will be held in Ahmedabad, and Kolkata’s Eden Gardens will also host multiple matches. Now it has been revealed when India and Pakistan might face each other.
The tournament will begin on February 7, with the final on March 8. India may start their campaign against the USA. The much-awaited India–Pakistan showdown is expected on February 15. However, it will not be held in India; instead, it will take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Due to the hybrid model, Pakistan will not travel to India. Recently, the Women’s ODI World Cup was also played under this model. Even if Pakistan reaches the T20 World Cup semifinals, their matches will be held in Sri Lanka.
If India and Pakistan meet in the final, it remains to be seen whether it will be staged at a neutral venue and whether the two teams will avoid handshakes like in the Asia Cup. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said, “I am not an astrologer. I cannot predict the future. Much depends on the political situation. Things aren’t good today, and no one knows what tomorrow holds.” He also said he had spoken with ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi regarding the return of the Asia Cup trophy.
ICC has finalized five venues in India for the T20 World Cup. Usually, a World Cup uses eight venues. Since Pakistan will play at neutral locations, Sri Lanka will have three venues this time. India’s five venues are Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi. Sri Lanka’s venues are Colombo, Kandy, and Galle.
Since five venues are in India, Eden Gardens has a strong chance of getting seven matches. CAB officials are also hopeful of hosting a semifinal.
