Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium may lose its biggest T20 World Cup 2026 match, and the reason could be Pakistan. If the Indian national cricket team qualifies, they will play the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on March 5 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Wankhede Stadium all set to host India’s semi-finals at T20 World Cup 2026, but there’s a twist
But if the Super 8 results make India vs Pakistan a semi-final, the match will not be held in Mumbai. It was built by R. in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Will be shifted to Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
The change depends on the group position in the Super 8 round of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. If the defending champions finish first in their Super 8 group and Pakistan finish second or second, they will meet in the semi-finals to be held in Sri Lanka.
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The BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have signed an agreement stating that India and Pakistan will travel to each other’s country; Instead, they will face each other at a neutral venue. And this will come to light when India faces Pakistan in the semi-finals.
India vs Pakistan semi-final will be played in Colombo
Therefore, the Men in Blue will play the first semi-final in Colombo on March 4 instead of playing in Mumbai. Holi, one of the biggest festivals of India, also takes place on that day. But if India faces any other team, then Wankhede Stadium will be the venue for the semi-final match.
There has been another big change in that situation. The first semi-final was originally planned for Eden Gardens. However, if Pakistan enters the last four, that match will also be moved to Colombo.
The ICC had said, “If India and Pakistan meet in the semi-finals, that match will be held in Colombo, while Mumbai will host Semifinal 2, which will also include India if they face any team other than Pakistan.”
No home semi-final for Sri Lanka despite being co-hosts
Interestingly, Sri Lanka is one of the co-hosts of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. But even if they reach the semi-finals, they will have to travel to India for their matches. They will not get a chance to play knockout on home ground.
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This means that Pakistan’s qualification for the semi-finals may have a direct impact on India’s schedule and venue. India will have to play in Sri Lanka instead of enjoying the home support in Mumbai. Now everything depends on how the Super 8 stage progresses in India and Sri Lanka.
The race for the semi-finals intensifies in the Super 8 round
Notably, Pakistan and New Zealand faced each other in the first Super 8 match on 21 February, but the game was washed out due to rain and both the teams shared the points in Group B. Currently, England and Sri Lanka face each other in the second Super 8 game in Pallekele.
England have almost gained two points in Group B and are set to lead the table, while India from Group A are set to take on South Africa in the fourth Super 8 game in Ahmedabad on Sunday evening. Both teams remained undefeated in the group stage of the tournament.
