India’s defence of the men’s T20 World Cup will begin in familiar company after Tuesday’s draw placed Rohit Sharma’s side alongside Pakistan, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March, is still three months away but the ICC has now set out who plays whom – and, crucially, when the latest instalment of India v Pakistan will land. Mark 15 February in the diary; the match is pencilled in for Colombo.
A brief look at the four first-round groups:
Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia
Group B: Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
The format mirrors 2024. Twenty teams start out, the top two in each group reach a Super Eight stage, and from there semi-finalists are decided. It worked well in the USA and West Indies, so no major tinkering this time.
Rohit’s men will arrive as champions after that nerve-shredding win over South Africa in Barbados last year. “Lifting the trophy was special, doing it again at home would be something else,” Virat Kohli told host broadcaster Star Sports during India’s recent ODI series – words that neatly capture the mood in an otherwise understated camp.
Tournament director Chris Tetley struck a similar note in the ICC release, saying: “This schedule offers a compelling start to the cricket calendar and a chance for fans in two proud cricket nations to be part of a month-long celebration.”
England, grouped with the West Indies and Bangladesh, have cause for quiet optimism; they beat both sides en route to the 2022 title. Yet Jos Buttler chose caution when asked by Sky Sports: “T20 is tight – get a few details wrong and anyone can surprise you.” England’s opener against Bangladesh in Dharamsala on 9 February looks anything but straightforward.
Local conditions will vary. Early matches in northern India could favour swing, while Sri Lankan strips traditionally aid spin. Teams who adapt quickest – especially in that Super Eight phase – tend to surge late.
Fixtures, venues and start times are expected “within weeks”, the ICC added. Until then, coaching staffs will be poring over flights, weather charts and pool-stage permutations, keen to avoid logistical potholes before a ball is bowled.
More to follow …
