The hunt for T20 WC 2026 group stage tickets is officially on as cricket fans prepare for the landmark 10th edition of the tournament. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, this world-class event features 20 teams competing in 55 matches across eight iconic venues. With the tournament currently underway, securing your spot in the stands requires quick action and a clear understanding of the official booking platforms.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about the group stage ticketing process. We cover the official pricing tiers, which start at historic lows to make the game accessible to every fan. You will also find detailed instructions on using authorized portals like BookMyShow and the ICC’s central ticket hub to avoid scams and high resale markups.
Beyond just booking links, we explore the stadium-wise availability for marquee matchups like India vs. Pakistan and England vs. West Indies. Whether you are looking for budget-friendly general admission or luxury hospitality packages, this article serves as your ultimate roadmap. Stay ahead of the crowd by learning the best times to buy and how to navigate the high-demand virtual queues.
Key Hillights:
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Official Booking Channels: Step-by-step instructions for ICC and BookMyShow platforms.
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Pricing Breakdown: Entry-level costs in India (from ₹100) and Sri Lanka (from LKR 1000).
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Venue Insights: A look at the eight host stadiums, from Mumbai’s Wankhede to Colombo’s RPS.
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High-Demand Matches: Availability status for major rivalries and “Group of Death” fixtures.
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International Fan Tips: Specific advice for buyers in the USA, UK, and beyond.
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Hospitality & Tours: How to book verified travel packages that include match tickets.
T20 WC 2026 Group Stage Tickets: Your Ultimate Guide to Booking Prices and Venues
The T20 WC 2026 group stage tickets are officially the hottest commodity in the cricketing world right now. As India and Sri Lanka co-host the 10th edition of this global spectacle, millions of fans are racing to secure their spots in iconic stadiums like the Wankhede and R. Premadasa.
With a record-breaking 20 teams competing across 55 matches, the group stage (February 7–20) offers the most diverse range of matchups and affordable entry points for fans.
Whether you are looking for the high-octane India vs Pakistan clash in Colombo or want to catch the rising stars of the USA and Nepal, navigating the ticketing phases is crucial. The ICC has democratized access this year, offering entry-level seats at historic lows to ensure the “Spirit of Cricket” reaches every corner of the stands.
How to Buy T20 World Cup 2026 Group Stage Tickets Online
The official and most secure way to purchase tickets is through the ICC’s authorized ticketing portal. For fans in India and Sri Lanka, the system often redirects to local partners like BookMyShow or Paytm Insider to handle the massive traffic.
It is highly recommended to create your account and complete your KYC details in advance to avoid being timed out during the high-demand virtual queues.
For international fans in the USA and UK, the process remains centralized on the official ICC website. Tickets are sold in “Phases,” with Phase 1 and 2 already seeing massive sell-outs for marquee games. If a match shows “Coming Soon” or “Waitlist,” it typically means a small batch of inventory is being held for the next release phase or hospitality upgrades.
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Official Link: Always use
tickets.cricketworldcup.comto avoid scams. -
Queue System: High-demand matches use a virtual waiting room; do not refresh your browser.
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M-Tickets: Most tickets are digital (QR-based) and can be accessed via the “Your Orders” section.
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Transfer Feature: Use the official “Transfer Ticket” option if you are booking for friends or family.
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Payment Options: Portals accept UPI, Credit/Debit Cards, and international gateways like PayPal for USD/GBP transactions.
Pro Tip: If “India” matches are sold out, search by “Venue” (e.g., Ahmedabad or Kolkata) to find available tickets for other exciting group-stage fixtures starting as low as ₹100.
T20 WC 2026 Group Stage Ticket Prices: India & Sri Lanka
The ICC’s strategy for 2026 is “Cricket for All,” reflected in the record-low starting prices. In India, entry-level tickets for non-marquee games start at just ₹100 ($1.11), while in Sri Lanka, they begin at LKR 1,000 ($3.26). This pricing makes the 2026 edition one of the most accessible World Cups in history for the general public.
However, prices vary significantly based on the matchup and seating tier. A “Premium” or “VIP” seat for a match involving India or Pakistan will naturally command a higher price.
Fans looking for the ultimate experience can also opt for Hospitality Packages, which include food, beverages, and the best views of the field, often starting from ₹15,000 onwards.
Price Comparison Table: Group Stage Categories
| Category | India Price (Starting) | Sri Lanka Price (Starting) | Best For |
| Budget/General | ₹100 – ₹300 | LKR 1,000 | Students & Large Groups |
| Standard | ₹500 – ₹1,500 | LKR 3,000 | Classic Stadium Experience |
| Premium | ₹2,500 – ₹7,500 | LKR 10,000 | Great Views & Comfort |
| VIP/Hospitality | ₹15,000+ | LKR 45,000+ | Luxury & Networking |
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Marquee Match Premium: India vs USA or India vs Pakistan tickets start much higher (₹750 to LKR 1,500+).
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Venue Differences: Smaller venues like Kandy may have different pricing tiers than the massive Narendra Modi Stadium.
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Phase 3 Pricing: Prices for remaining tickets in Phase 3 usually see a 10-20% increase due to demand.
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Child Tickets: Check specific stadium T&Cs, as some venues offer discounted rates for children under 12.
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Booking Fees: Expect a 5-10% internet handling fee added to the base price at checkout.
Summary: While elite matches are expensive, millions of seats remain available for under ₹500, making the group stage perfect for budget-conscious fans.
Group Stage Schedule and Match Locations
The group stage is the heartbeat of the tournament, featuring 40 matches played over 14 days. Matches are spread across eight world-class venues: five in India (Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi) and three in Sri Lanka (Colombo-SSC, Colombo-Premadasa, Kandy). The opening day on February 7 features a triple-header, including India vs USA at the electric Wankhede Stadium.
Teams are divided into four groups (A, B, C, D), with the top two from each advancing to the Super Eight. This format ensures that every city gets to host a “Big Three” team (India, Australia, or England) at least once. Fans are encouraged to plan their travel according to these “clusters” to minimize transit between the two host nations.
Key Group Stage Fixtures & Ticket Status
| Date | Matchup | Venue | Ticket Demand |
| Feb 7 | India vs USA | Mumbai | Sold Out (Check Phase 3) |
| Feb 7 | Pakistan vs Netherlands | Colombo (SSC) | Moderate |
| Feb 11 | England vs West Indies | Mumbai | High |
| Feb 14 | New Zealand vs South Africa | Ahmedabad | Moderate |
| Feb 15 | India vs Pakistan | Colombo (RPS) | Extremely High |
| Feb 18 | India vs Netherlands | Ahmedabad | High |
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Group A (USA Focus): Contains India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia.
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Group B: Features Australia and hosts Sri Lanka, alongside Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
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Group C: England and West Indies lead this group, with Scotland, Nepal, and Italy.
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Group D: A “Group of Death” featuring South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and UAE.
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Kick-off Times: Matches are scheduled for 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM local time.
Summary: The schedule is designed to maximize local viewership and international travel, with major rivalries strategically placed in high-capacity stadiums.
Best Seats and Stadium Experience for 2026
When booking your T20 WC 2026 group stage tickets, the “best seat” isn’t always the most expensive. In stadiums like Eden Gardens (Kolkata), the lower tiers offer an incredible atmosphere but can be prone to limited views if you are near the boundary ropes. For the best tactical view, seats behind the bowler’s arm (North or South Stands) are highly coveted by cricket purists.
In the heat of February, especially for afternoon matches in Chennai or Colombo, seeking “Shaded Stands” is a priority. Most modern stadiums like the Narendra Modi Stadium have cantilevered roofs, but older stands may leave you in the sun. Always check the stadium map on the booking portal to identify which stands are “East-facing” to avoid the afternoon glare.
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Wankhede (Mumbai): Best atmosphere; North Stand is famous for the loudest cheers.
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Premadasa (Colombo): Known for spin-friendly conditions; grandstand seats offer the best breeze.
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Ahmedabad: Massive scale; upper tiers provide a “bird’s eye view” of the entire field.
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Chepauk (Chennai): Knowledgeable crowd; the “I, J, K” stands are legendary for their view.
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Kandy (Pallekele): Scenic views; the grass embankments offer a unique, picnic-style experience.
Summary: Choose your stand based on the time of day and your preference for either tactical viewing or pure fan energy.
FAQs
1. When will the next phase of tickets be released?
Phase 3 is expected to go live in mid-February 2026. This phase usually includes returned tickets from sponsors and additional inventory for the Super Eight and Knockouts.
2. Can I buy tickets for India vs Pakistan through a resale site?
It is highly discouraged. The ICC uses encrypted QR codes that are linked to your mobile device. Tickets bought from unofficial sites like Viagogo may be invalid or lead to entry denial.
3. Are there tickets available for the warm-up matches?
Yes, warm-up match tickets are usually sold at much lower prices or even offered as “Free Entry” for certain stands to fill the stadiums before the main event begins on February 7.
4. What happens if a group stage match is washed out?
For the group stage, there are no reserve days. If a match is abandoned without a ball being bowled, a refund is usually initiated as per the ICC’s Ticketing Terms & Conditions.
5. How many tickets can I book from one account?
Typically, the limit is 4 to 6 tickets per user for standard games, and 2 tickets per user for high-demand games like India vs Pakistan.
Conclusion
Securing T20 WC 2026 group stage tickets requires a mix of early planning and quick fingers. With entry-level prices starting at just ₹100, this tournament is set to be the most inclusive in history. Whether you are traveling from the USA to see the “Stars and Stripes” take on the giants or joining the sea of blue in Mumbai, the group stage is where the magic of the World Cup truly lives.