How co-hosts Sri Lanka's semifinal venue is dependent on India & Pakistan’s performance? All scenarios explained

Sri Lanka are co-hosts of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 but they may have to play the semifinal clash on Indian soil. Yes, if Sri Lanka qualify for the semifinal alongside Pakistan, they will travel to Mumbai to face their opponent at Wankhede Stadium. 

There are lot of permutations and combinations involved as the venue for the semifinals may not be decided until March 1. 

Sri Lanka’s semifinal venue dependent on India and Pakistan

There is only one scenario where Sri Lanka play the semifinal in front of their homecrowd. If Pakistan get knocked out of the tournament at Super 8 stage and Sri Lanka progress to the last four, the co-hosts will play the semifinal 1 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on March 4 until and unless their opponents are India. 

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If both Pakistan and Sri Lanka don’t make it to the semifinals, then the semifinal 1 will be shifted to Eden Gardens, Kolkata. 

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There is a chance that semifinal 2 will be shifted from Mumbai to Colombo. It will only happen if India and Pakistan face each other in the semifinal. Then, India will travel to Colombo to face arch-rivals Pakistan who they beat comprehensively in the group stage.

Where will T20 World Cup 2026 final be played? 

There aren’t too many deciding factors for the final venue. If Pakistan progress to the final, it will be played at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. If not, the final will be hosted by Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. 

Poor start for India, Sri Lanka in Super 8s

India’s unbeaten streak of 12 games was ended by Aiden Markram’s South Africa. India faced a 76-run defeat at Narendra Modi Stadium where South Africa have played most of their matches. The magnitude of the win has dented India’s net run rate (NRR). 

It is a similar story for Sri Lanka as well. They were bowled out for 95 in the run chase of 147 against England at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Their NRR has taken a hit as well.