T20 World Cup 2026: Semi-Final Venues and Scenarios Explained

T20 World Cup 2026 Enters Super 8 Stage

The T20 World Cup 2026 has progressed to its Super 8 phase, where the eight leading teams are competing for the prestigious trophy, with the final scheduled for March 8 (Sunday). Prior to the final, the top two teams from each of the two Super 8 groups will advance to the semi-finals. One of the semi-finals is set to take place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, while the other venue is still undecided, with options being Eden Gardens in Kolkata or R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Recent reports from ESPN Cricinfo indicate that the likelihood of Kolkata hosting a semi-final has diminished. It has been stated that one of the semi-finals will occur in Colombo, even if Sri Lanka makes it to the final four and faces a team other than India. Initially, the match was only designated for Colombo if Pakistan reached that stage of the tournament. However, should there be an India vs. Sri Lanka semi-final, it will be held in Mumbai on March 5 (Thursday).

According to an ICC source, "Semi-final 1 is a flexible arrangement, with the match potentially taking place in either Colombo or Kolkata. If Pakistan qualifies for the semi-finals, they will compete in semi-final 1 in Colombo on March 4. If Pakistan does not qualify, but Sri Lanka does and faces a team other than India, then Sri Lanka will play in semi-final 1 in Colombo."

Conditions for a Kolkata Semi-Final

What Would Guarantee Semi-Final in Kolkata?

A semi-final in Kolkata will be assured if either Pakistan or Sri Lanka fails to reach the final four of the tournament. Both teams are currently in Group 2 of the Super 8. If this scenario unfolds, the team finishing at the top of Group 1 will face the second-placed team from Group 2 (which could be either New Zealand or England) in the semi-final.