Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium was ablaze with energy and excitement as the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 officially commenced on February 7, 2026. The opening ceremony, a dazzling spectacle of music and dance, set the stage for the highly anticipated tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The ceremony featured a star-studded lineup of performers, including renowned singer and rapper Badshah and world-famous dancer and actress Nora Fatehi. Their electrifying performances captivated the audience, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Badshah headlined the event with a power-packed live act, while Nora Fatehi took over with a dynamic dance performance accompanied by a large group of dancers. The ceremony culminated in a spectacular joint finale by both artists.
Adding to the musical fervor, Indian artist Rishab Sharma and legendary percussionist Shivamani also graced the stage with a vibrant and energetic performance, blending rhythm and melody.
The opening ceremony also included the official welcome of the ICC T20 World Cup Trophy. ICC Chairman Jay Shah and former India captain Rohit Sharma, who led India to victory in the 2024 edition, welcomed the trophy. They were joined by 20 children representing each participating nation, who together declared the T20 World Cup 2026 open. In a dramatic display, the trophy made its grand entrance via a jetpack performer soaring into the stadium.
The T20 World Cup 2026 spans a month, with matches held across five iconic venues in India and three in Sri Lanka. The tournament kicked off with Pakistan facing the Netherlands in Colombo. Following the opening ceremony, India played against the USA at Wankhede Stadium.
Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live telecast of the T20 World Cup 2026 on the Star Sports Network in India. Live streaming is also available on the JioHotstar app and website.
