ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour Kicks Off at Iconic Ram Setu
A Historic Launch Over Ram Setu
New Delhi, December 16: The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour, in collaboration with DP World, was inaugurated today above the Adam's Bridge, known in India as the Ram Setu. This site holds significant cultural importance, symbolizing the connection between the two co-host nations, India and Sri Lanka.
In a stunning display, a two-seater paramotor took flight, showcasing the prestigious T20 World Cup trophy against the breathtaking backdrop of India's southern coastline. The flight traced the beautiful limestone shoals below, reaching the furthest authorized point over the bridge before returning, capturing stunning aerial footage of this momentous occasion.
This dramatic ascent, set against the vast sea and sky, symbolizes the ambition and global appeal of the upcoming tournament.
The 10th edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams competing over 29 days at eight premier venues (five in India and three in Sri Lanka) from February 7 to March 8, 2026, promising an exhilarating showcase of the sport's most dynamic format.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah remarked, “Launching the Trophy Tour above the Ram Setu, a site rich in history and cultural significance, sets an inspiring tone as we approach this landmark event. This tour is more than just a trophy's journey; it unites continents, cultures, and cricketing communities, igniting passion among fans worldwide and reinforcing the spirit of our game.”
He added, “As we gear up for this global spectacle, we want supporters everywhere to feel connected to the journey leading to India and Sri Lanka. Each stop on the Trophy Tour will enhance anticipation and invite fans globally to celebrate what promises to be an unforgettable ICC Men's T20 World Cup.”
Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary of BCCI, stated, “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.”
He continued, “India has successfully hosted two 50-over World Cups in the last three years, and we are excited to welcome fans to another world-class event. This edition will highlight the remarkable growth and depth of the T20 format in India.”
Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket, expressed enthusiasm for the Trophy Tour's launch, stating, “This moment marks the beginning of an exciting journey as we prepare to welcome fans from around the world.”
He emphasized, “Our goal is to provide an exceptional tournament experience that reflects our supporters' passion, our vibrant culture, and the energy of our venues. We look forward to creating lasting memories beyond the tournament.”
The Trophy Tour will travel across Asia, including stops in India, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, Nepal, Bahrain, and Mongolia, allowing millions of fans to view the iconic trophy up close, engage in interactive experiences, and build excitement for the global event.
Engagements during the tour will include campus visits, fan meet-ups, public activations, and cricket carnivals, all designed to celebrate the sport's energy and inclusivity. Notably, the trophy will also visit schools and colleges associated with players participating in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, providing young fans with a unique connection to the global stage.
In addition to the international cricket calendar, the trophy will be displayed at major T20 leagues and select bilateral series, enhancing its visibility across competitive cricket environments and building anticipation for the tournament.
The tournament venues include Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), R Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (Colombo), and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy).