The 10th edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup (T20 World Cup 2026) can be historic if India or Sri Lanka wins it. Till date, the host country has never been able to win this title, whereas if Team India wins, it will be the first time that a team will win this title twice consecutively. Now about 1 week is left for the tournament to start. In such a situation, former cricketers have given their opinion as to which could be the second finalist team along with India.

India’s T20 record under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav has been excellent for many times, hence Team India is being considered a strong contender for the title. On Star Sports, veterans like Anil Kumble, Aakash Chopra, Irfan Pathan, Mohammad Kaif were asked which could be the finalist team in T20 World Cup 2026. Although one team, India, was already decided, everyone had to give their opinion about the other finalist team.

Veterans reveal finalist team

Robin Uthappa chose South Africa as his second finalist. Let us tell you that India had won the 2024 title by defeating South Africa. Aakash Chopra chose the Australia team, which won its only title in 2021. Akash said, “Once again, but this time in T20 format.” Actually, Australia won the title by defeating India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

Sanjay Bangar and Australia Irfan Pathan also chose Australia. Cheteshwar Pujara and Anil Kumble took the name of England. Mohammad Kaif said, “I think this time also India may face South Africa in the final.” Suresh Raina chose New Zealand as the finalist, against whom India has recently won the T20 series.

Who could challenge India in the final as they aim to defeat history?

@anilkumble1074, @robbieuthappa, @cricketaakash & more share their predictions for the final match-up!

What’s your call for the final showdown?

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup STARTS FEB 7 pic.twitter.com/cUK0ypQhap

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 28, 2026

The final will be held on March 8

The final of the T20 World Cup 2026 will be held on March 8, but its venue will be confirmed after the Super-8 matches or the semi-final matches. Actually, Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka, so if Pakistan reaches the semi-finals, then the first semi-final to be held on March 4 will be in Colombo. If Pakistan reaches the final then the title match will also be held in Colombo, otherwise the final will be held in Ahmedabad.

The Asia Cup has just started, but another good news has come out for cricket fans. Media reports have revealed that the 2026 T20 World Cup can be played from 7 February to 8 March. India and Sri Lanka are going to co-maintain the next T20 World Cup. A report by ESPN Cricinfo has revealed the dates as well as a big revelation on the final venue.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, the first match of the 2026 T20 World Cup will be played on 7 February, while the final can be held on 8 March. The final match of the World Cup can be played in Ahmedabad or Colombo. It will depend on or not reaching the finals of India and Pakistan, which place will be played from Ahmedabad and Colombo.

How many teams will take part

Like the 2024 T20 World Cup, 20 teams will participate in the next World Cup, which will be divided into 4 groups of five teams. The report has revealed that the schedule has not yet been prepared, but the ICC has informed all the countries taking part in the tournament and the final date.

India will land as the defending champion in the T20 World Cup 2026. He won the trophy by defeating South Africa by 7 runs in a thrilling match in the final last year. Like last time, teams will qualify for the first Super-8 phase, after which the semi-finals and finals will be played.

15 teams have qualified

So far, 15 teams have qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup, five slots are still vacant. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Usa, West Indies, Ireland, Canada, Netherlands and Italy have made it to the World Cup so far.

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