Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. What You Need to Know About World Cup 2026

3. World Cup 2026 Schedule (India Time)

   • Group Stage Schedule

   • Super 8 Schedule

   • Knockout Stage Schedule

4. Comparison Table: India Times vs Local Times

5. Pros & Cons of the World Cup Schedule

6. Fan Guide: How to Watch the Matches in India

7. Buying Guide: Tickets & Streaming Passes

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

9. Conclusion

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1. Introduction

Cricket fever is back in India as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches! The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026, featuring 20 top international teams battling for glory across 55 high-voltage matches.

For Indian fans, understanding the World Cup 2026 schedule in Indian Standard Time – IST) is essential for planning viewing parties, travel, and catching every moment of action live. This comprehensive blog post covers the full schedule, time conversions, match dates, major fixtures like India vs Pakistan, and a fan-friendly guide to watching and following the tournament.

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2. What You Need to Know About the World Cup 2026 schedule

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is one of cricket’s biggest international events. In 2026, it will feature:

• 20 teams from around the world

• 55 total matches across multiple stadiums in India and Sri Lanka

• Group stage → Super 8s → Knockouts → Final tournament format

• India is defending their title as reigning champions from the 2024 edition.

The schedule is packed with exciting rivalries, including the marquee India vs Pakistan match on 15 February 2026.

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3. World Cup 2026 Schedule (India Time)

Below is the official World Cup 2026 schedule converted to India Standard Time (IST) for all matches involving India and key fixtures of the tournament.

🏏 Group Stage Schedule (All times in IST)

These fixtures show how India’s matches are spread throughout the group stage so fans in India can plan accordingly.

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🏆 Super 8 Stage (IST)

The Super 8 stage brings the top teams from each group together in a battle for semifinal spots. While full Super 8 matchups depend on group results, here are key date blocks (times are approximate IST):

These fixtures will be announced once group results finalize later in February.

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🏟 Knockout Stage (IST) of World Cup 2026 schedule

The final’s venue may depend on the teams playing, especially if Pakistan qualifies (neutral venue decision rules apply).

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4. Comparison Table: India Times vs Local Times

Sometimes matches are in Sri Lanka, which is 30 minutes ahead of IST. Here’s a handy comparison for key fixtures:

This table helps international viewers understand how times shift depending on where the match is played.

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5. Pros & Cons of the World Cup 2026 schedule

👍 Pros

✅ Prime Time Matches – India’s games mostly start in the evening (6–8 PM IST), perfect for TV viewership.
✅ Balanced Spread – Group matches allow ample rest between games.
✅ Neutral Venue for India–Pakistan – Ensures fair security and crowd management.

👎 Cons

❌ Travel Between Cities – Some matches in Sri Lanka could affect fans wanting to attend live.
❌ Busy February Calendar – Matches nearly daily, making planning tough.
❌ Time Differences for Overseas Fans – Other regions might find morning slots inconvenient.

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6. Fan Guide: How to Watch the World Cup 2026 schedule Matches in India

Cricket fans in India have several ways to enjoy every moment of the World Cup 2026:

📺 Television Broadcast

• Matches involving India and later knockout games will be telecast live on Star Sports Network across India.

📱 Live Streaming

• JioCinema (mobile & web) offers live streaming with commentary, highlights, and match analysis throughout the event.

🎉 Public Viewing Parties

• Many cities host fan zones and match viewing festivals with large screens, food stalls, and fan engagement.

👉 Tip: Set calendar reminders for key matches like India vs Pakistan, knockout semifinals, and the final to never miss the action.

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7. Buying Guide: Tickets & Streaming Passes

To make the most of World Cup 2026, here’s where and how you can secure access:

🏟 Match Tickets

✔️ Official ICC ticket portals
✔️ Authorized resellers (e.g., BookMyShow, ICC official partners)

💡 Pro Tip: Tickets for marquee fixtures like India vs Pakistan sell out fast. Try early booking and follow official announcements on ICC’s website or verified social media handles.

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📱 Streaming Passes in World Cup 2026 schedule

✔️ JioCinema Premium – Subscription unlocks HD streaming of every match
✔️ Mobile data plans often include bundled access

📢 Insider Tip: Domestic telecom partners occasionally offer free or discounted streaming access on match days.

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8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the World Cup 2026 dates?

Answer: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 runs from 7 February to 8 March 2026.

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Q2. What time do India’s matches start?

Answer: India’s group matches are scheduled mostly around 7:00 PM IST, with some earlier kicks at 3:00 PM IST.

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Q3. Where will India vs Pakistan be played?

Answer: This high-profile match is scheduled in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and will begin at around 7:00 PM IST.

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Q4. How can I watch World Cup 2026 in India?

Answer: Matches will be telecast on Star Sports and streamed live on JioCinema with commentary and analysis.

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Q5. How many stadiums are hosting matches?

Answer: The tournament will span eight venues – five in India and three in Sri Lanka.

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9. Conclusion

The World Cup 2026 schedule India time promises nonstop cricketing action, unforgettable rivalries, and one of the most anticipated global sporting spectacles of the year. Whether you’re planning to watch every India match, set reminders for key clashes, or attend games live, having the schedule in IST is essential for every cricket fan in India.