Sri Lanka expects significant benefits—including enhanced global visibility and a rise in foreign tourist arrivals—from co-hosting the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with India, the President’s Media Division (PMD) announced.
A high-level meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat to review preparations for the tournament, chaired by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, with the participation of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials and representatives from key government agencies. The discussion focused on ensuring Sri Lanka meets the International Cricket Council’s hosting standards, covering stadium readiness, security measures and operational logistics.
Attention was also drawn to streamlining immigration and emigration processes for international spectators visiting the country and integrating national cleanliness and environmental management efforts under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative. Officials emphasised coordinated efforts among all relevant institutions to ensure the successful hosting of the event.
Sri Lanka is expected to host approximately 20 matches across three venues in Colombo and Pallekele. The tournament will take place from 7 February to 8 March 2026, with 20 international teams participating in what will be one of the largest editions of the T20 World Cup.
The meeting was attended by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, Ministry of Education Director (Sports) Lt. Col. Anura Abeywickrama, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russell Aponsu, Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda and senior officers from the security forces.
