Colombo could host T20 World Cup semi-final even if Pakistan fail to qualify

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made a slight change to the semi-final venue arrangement, giving Sri Lanka a chance to play a home semi-final if they qualify.

Sri Lanka get a home semi-final

The first semi-final was earlier scheduled to be held in Colombo only if Pakistan qualified. This meant that in case of their elimination, even if Sri Lanka made it to the next stage, they would be required to play the semi-final in India

However, under the updated directive circulated to stakeholders, if Sri Lanka progress to the playoffs and are not drawn to play the semi-final against India, the semi-final will be played in Colombo, even if Pakistan are eliminated.

However, if Sri Lanka and India end up playing each other in the semi-final, the first semi-final will be shifted to Kolkata, while the second, as confirmed earlier, will be played in Mumbai.

It was also confirmed earlier that India will play the second semi-final regardless of where they finish on the table, except if they are to play Pakistan, in which case India will play the first semi-final in Colombo.

Hybrid model

Pakistan are playing all of their World Cup games in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model agreed upon by them and India. Under this model, in ICC events hosted by either country, a neutral venue will be arranged by the other country. Pakistan arranged for India’s games to be played in the UAE during the 2025 Champions Trophy.

First semi-final schedule

First semi-final - March 4, 2026 - Colombo (if Pakistan or Sri Lanka* qualify) or Kolkata (if neither Pakistan nor Sri Lanka* qualify) 

* provided Sri Lanka are not playing India

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