Sri Lanka may get the chance to play a home semi-final in the T20 World Cup 2026 if they qualify for the knockout stage. The match could take place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo depending on results and opponents.
The possibility will apply if Sri Lanka reach the semi-finals, Pakistan fail to qualify, and Sri Lanka do not face India. The International Cricket Council has effectively clarified the schedule after mixed results in the Super Eight stage. India lost to South Africa, while Sri Lanka were beaten by England in their matches.
“Semi-final 1 is a floating arrangement with the match to be held in either Colombo or Kolkata. If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in semi-final 1 in Colombo on 4 March. If Pakistan do not qualify for the semi-finals, but Sri Lanka do qualify and play anyone other than India, then Sri Lanka will play in semi-final 1 in Colombo,” the statement read as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Multiple venue scenarios explained
The ICC also confirmed other possible venue combinations. If neither Pakistan nor Sri Lanka reach the semi-finals, the first semi-final will be played in Kolkata and the second in Mumbai.
India’s matches will follow a fixed rule. If India qualify, they will play their semi-final in Mumbai regardless of the opponent. However, an India vs Pakistan semi-final would be moved to Colombo.
In a situation where none of India, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka qualify, group standings will decide the fixtures. The Group 1 winner will meet the Group 2 runner-up in Kolkata. The Group 2 winner will face the Group 1 runner-up in Mumbai. Because both Sri Lanka and Pakistan are in Group 2, they cannot meet in a semi-final.
This clarification updates the earlier schedule released in November. That plan had guaranteed Pakistan a semi-final and possible final in Sri Lanka but did not explain what would happen if Sri Lanka themselves advanced.
“If Pakistan qualifies for the semi-finals, Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium will replace Kolkata as the host of Semi-Final 1. Should Pakistan reach the final, that venue will also shift from Ahmedabad to Colombo. If India and Pakistan meet in the semi-finals, that match will be staged in Colombo, while Mumbai will host Semi-Final 2 involving India if they face any team other than Pakistan,” the release stated.
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