Sri Lanka Unveils ICC T20 World Cup Trophy Tour

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka officially launched the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour today (21), marking the beginning of a nationwide build‑up to the 2026 tournament, which the country will co‑host with India. The ceremony, held at the Presidential Secretariat, was inaugurated under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The gleaming T20 World Cup Trophy will travel across the island from January 21 to 24, visiting several major cities to give fans the rare opportunity to witness the coveted prize up close ahead of the global showpiece.

The first public display will take place tomorrow during the Sri Lanka–England ODI at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, where cricket enthusiasts will be able to closely view and photograph the iconic trophy.

Following its Colombo leg, the trophy will journey to Kandy, Dambulla and Jaffna, allowing fans in each region to capture memorable moments and share in the excitement of the upcoming mega event.

Officials said the tour aims to heighten national enthusiasm and global attention ahead of the World Cup, which begins February 7 and runs until March 8, 2026, across Sri Lanka and India. This marks Sri Lanka's largest cricket-hosting commitment since the 2012 T20 World Cup.

The ICC announced the official match schedule in India on November 25, 2025, confirming Sri Lanka’s venues as:

R. Premadasa International Stadium – 8 matches
Pallekele International Stadium – 7 matches
Colombo SSC Ground – 5 matches

Sri Lanka will host 20 matches in total — with potential to host 22 if Pakistan qualifies for the semi‑final and final, both of which would then be staged in Colombo. 

Notably, all matches involving Pakistan during the group stage and Super 8s are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka.