India and Pakistan to be placed in same group for T20 World Cup 2026 despite Asia Cup 2025 controversies

Asian cricketing giants India and Pakistan are reportedly are placed in the same group for the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup, which will take place next year in India and Sri Lanka. This means the arch-rivals will be seen featuring against each other in the group stage clash in Colombo. 

Three India vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC has finalised four groups of five teams each for the tournament. Only the top two sides from every group will progress to the Super Eight stage, followed by the semifinals and the final. This means that there is a possibility that India and Pakistan will potentially face each other for three times in the mega event. 

India's Group in T20 World Cup 2026

Defending champions India will likely be placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, the Netherlands, Namibia, and the USA. India and Pakistan are the only Test-playing nations in the pool. Team India will face Pakistan, the Netherlands, Namibia, and the USA in their Group Stage clash. 

ALSO READ: 'It’s all got to do with...': Washington Sundar breaks silence on his switch in batting position during Test series against South Africa

ALSO READ: Revealed! BCCI's blueprint to select India's squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Where will India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clashes take place?

All matches featuring Pakistan, along with their high-voltage clash against India, will take place in Colombo and the venue for the final also depends on Pakistan's qualifications, if the Men in Green manage to qualify for the title decider, it will take place in Sri Lanka; otherwise, Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium will host the grand finale. 

India's venues for T20 World Cup 2026

India's matches will take place in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Sri Lanka will host fixtures in Colombo and Kandy. While Ahmedabad is named as a possible venue for the final, plans could shift depending on how the knockout stage unfolds.

India's squad selection for T20 World Cup 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will reportedly select identical squads for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup 2026. India will play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand is scheduled to start from January 21 with the first clash taking place in Nagpur.