Will Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium host 2026 T20 WC final?
What's the story
Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium has been shortlisted as a potential venue for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup final. As reported earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to announce the tournament schedule soon. According to The Indian Express, the decision regarding the Ahmedabad venue was made during a meeting of top Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials, who have opted for fewer cities this time around compared to the 2023 World Cup.
Venue selection
Five cities shortlisted for upcoming T20 World Cup
The BCCI has shortlisted five cities for the upcoming T20 World Cup - Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. The plan is to host matches in three venues in Sri Lanka as well. However, it remains unclear which venues will be chosen for this purpose. Bengaluru and Lucknow's status as potential match-hosting cities also remains uncertain at this stage.
Match conditions
Colombo to host semi-finals if Sri Lanka qualify
The ICC has told the BCCI that if Sri Lanka make it to the semi-finals, their matches will be played in Colombo. If Pakistan reach the final, it will be held at a neutral venue. This is part of an agreement signed earlier that allows India and Pakistan to play their league games in a third country.
Information
Ahmedabad hosted the 2023 ODI WC final
It is worth noting that the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad also hosted the historic Men's ODI World Cup final in 2023. Australia handed India a painful defeat to clinch the title.