Sri Lanka Cleared to Host T20 World Cup 2026 Matches Despite Cyclone Damage

The pictures from Sri Lanka in late November were very disturbing. Streets were flooded, landslides hit the hill areas, and 634 people lost their lives, with many others losing their livelihoods. Now, the ICC and local organisers have made their position clear. Yes, and without compromise. Despite the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka’s leg of the T20 World Cup will go ahead as planned.

After detailed inspections across venues, officials are confident the country is ready to welcome teams, fans and global attention once again. Sri Lanka is scheduled to host 20 of the 55 matches in the T20 World Cup 2026, which is being co-hosted with India. Matches will be spread across three venues, including Pallekele in Kandy, Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium and the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground.

Sri Lanka Cleared to Host T20 World Cup Matches Despite Cyclone Damage

There were big concerns about Kandy, as it was one of the worst-affected areas during the cyclone. More than 200 people died there, raising fears that buildings and facilities were badly damaged. But after inspections, officials have said there is nothing to worry about.

“We are happy with the progress we have made and it is going to be a superb event. Sri Lanka has hosted ICC events before with great success, and we have no doubt this tournament will be another feather in our cap. Kandy has been cleared, as have the other two venues,“ an official involved in the inspections told Telecom Asia Sport. 

“There has been huge demand for tickets for the India–Pakistan game. We expect a surge of tourists into Colombo around that fixture, which will give a significant boost to the economy,” the official said. 

Weather is still a big concern, especially after Sri Lanka recently co-hosted the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup with India. The tournament was badly affected by monsoon rains. Out of 28 matches at one point, 10 were hit by rain and six had to be called off. In Colombo, five of the 11 matches ended with no result because of rain. Organisers believe timing will make the difference this time. February and March are traditionally dry months in both Colombo and Kandy, giving hope that no match will be compromised.

“There were rain issues during the Women’s World Cup, but conditions are very different at this time of year. India–Pakistan is the main attraction, no doubt, but games like Sri Lanka versus Australia are also keenly awaited,“ the official added.

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