'Discussed the final-minute preparations': BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia ahead of India's T20 World Cup opener

NEW DELHI – With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 officially under way, Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Devajit Saikia made a final inspection of Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, underscoring the board’s commitment to flawless delivery of the tournament’s Indian leg. Posting on social media platform X, Saikia wrote: “Inspected & discussed the final-minute preparations of Team India, and, also reviewed the hosting arrangements for the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup, 2026, starting today at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.”

The ninth edition of the global T20 championship commenced on 7 February and will span 30 days, 55 fixtures and two countries, concluding on 8 March. Twenty international teams will contest matches across venues in India and Sri Lanka, with India drawn in a group that pits them against the United States, Namibia, Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead the home side, beginning with a tournament opener against the United States at the Wankhede. India then travel to Delhi for a 12 February meeting with Namibia before a potential marquee encounter versus Pakistan in Colombo on 15 February, although Pakistan’s participation remains in doubt following a boycott announcement. The group phase for India wraps up on 18 February against the Netherlands at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

Earlier, ICC chairman Jay Shah extended his best wishes to all competing nations, noting the competition’s history of unpredictability. “Six different champions already in nine editions of the @ICC Men’s @T20WorldCup,” Shah posted. “Wishing the teams the very best of luck as they battle for the crown over 55 exciting matches in India and Sri Lanka!”

The curtain-raiser in Colombo featured Pakistan and the Netherlands, while India’s campaign launch at Wankhede signals the start of another high-stakes pursuit of T20 silverware for the host nation and its fervent supporters.