The countdown to one of cricket’s biggest global spectacles formally began on Tuesday as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour was launched at Adam’s Bridge, popularly known in India as Ram Setu—a site chosen as much for its symbolism as for its geography. Stretching across the waters between India and Sri Lanka, Ram Setu served as a powerful visual and cultural metaphor for the tournament’s two co-host nations.
The upcoming 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, 2026, will see 20 teams battle it out across eight iconic venues in India and Sri Lanka over 29 days. Five matches will be hosted in India and three in Sri Lanka, marking the return of a major ICC global event to the subcontinent.
Officials said the choice of Ram Setu as the starting point of the trophy tour was deliberate, underscoring the shared heritage, cultural ties, and cricketing passion that link the two nations.
“Launching the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour above the Ram Setu, a site steeped in history, symbolism, and shared cultural identity, sets an inspiring tone as we build toward this landmark event,” said ICC Chairman Jay Shah. He described the tour as more than a promotional exercise, calling it “a unifying journey that connects fans, cultures, and cricketing communities across borders.”
Trophy Tour Across Asia
As part of the buildup to the tournament, the trophy will embark on an extensive journey across Asia, with scheduled stops in India, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, Nepal, Bahrain, and Mongolia. Organisers said the aim is to bring the World Cup closer to fans, especially in emerging cricket markets, by offering opportunities to see the trophy up close and participate in interactive fan experiences.
In a special outreach initiative, the trophy will also visit schools and colleges associated with players expected to feature in the 2026 World Cup, creating a direct emotional connection between young fans and the global stage. In addition, the trophy will be showcased during major T20 franchise leagues and select bilateral international series, aligning the tour with the global cricket calendar.
India and Sri Lanka Prepare for a Global Showcase
For India, the T20 World Cup adds to a packed recent hosting record. The country has staged two men’s 50-over World Cups in the last three years, and cricket administrators say the infrastructure and organisational experience gained from those events will carry forward.
“The T20 World Cup brings a unique intensity and emotion, and launching the Trophy Tour at the iconic Ram Setu perfectly captures the magnitude of the journey ahead,” said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. “India has hosted major global tournaments recently, and we are fully prepared to deliver another world-class event for players and fans alike.”
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, sees the co-hosting role as an opportunity to showcase its cricketing culture and hospitality on the world stage.
“As co-host, Sri Lanka Cricket welcomes the launch of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with great enthusiasm,” said Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva. “We are committed to delivering an exceptional tournament experience that reflects the passion of our supporters and the vibrancy of our culture.”
Venues Steeped in History
The tournament will be played across some of the most storied grounds in world cricket. In India, matches will be hosted at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Sri Lanka’s venues include the R. Premadasa Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo, along with the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
Cricket analysts note that the diversity of venues—from high-scoring grounds to spin-friendly tracks—could add an extra tactical layer to the tournament, making squad balance and adaptability key factors.
Building Momentum Ahead of 2026
With just over a year to go before the first ball is bowled, the trophy tour is seen as a crucial step in building momentum for the tournament. Beyond fan engagement, officials say the tour reinforces cricket’s ability to transcend borders and bring together diverse cultures under a shared sporting identity.
As Jay Shah put it, the journey of the trophy from Ram Setu onward is meant to reflect the spirit of the game itself—a bridge between nations, traditions, and generations of fans. With Asia as its starting point and the world as its audience, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is already shaping up to be a celebration of cricket on and off the field.
