New Delhi — The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the list of host nations for its global tournaments scheduled between 2026 and 2031, with India emerging as a major beneficiary, securing the rights to host three marquee events. In stark contrast, Pakistan has not been awarded a single ICC tournament during this cycle.
India to Host Three Major ICC Events
India, one of world cricket’s biggest powerhouses, will co-host the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka, scheduled for February-March 2026. The tournament will feature 20 teams divided into four groups, with iconic venues like Eden Gardens in Kolkata and R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo likely to host the finals.
In 2029, India will host the ICC Champions Trophy on its own, bringing back the popular tournament after its last edition in 2017. Then in 2031, India will co-host the prestigious ICC Men’s ODI World Cup with Bangladesh, a pairing that previously co-hosted the 2011 edition alongside Sri Lanka.
England Tops the Hosting Chart
While India secured three events, England emerged as the biggest host, being awarded four tournaments. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will host the World Test Championship Finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031, further solidifying the country’s reputation as a premier destination for red-ball cricket. Additionally, England, Ireland, and Scotland will jointly host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2030.
This will mark the first time since 1999 that Ireland and Scotland will host an ICC global event, adding a historic touch to the 2030 edition.
Namibia Makes Historic Debut
In a major development, Namibia has been named co-host for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, alongside South Africa and Zimbabwe. This will be Namibia’s debut as an ICC tournament host—an important milestone in the country’s cricketing journey. The tournament will mark the return of the ODI World Cup to South African soil after 24 years, with the last being hosted in 2003.
Other Hosts and Schedule Highlights
- 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – India and Sri Lanka
- 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup – South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia
- 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – Australia and New Zealand
- 2029 ICC Champions Trophy – India
- 2029 ICC WTC Final – England
- 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – England, Ireland, Scotland
- 2031 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup – India and Bangladesh
- WTC Finals in 2027, 2029, 2031 – England
Pakistan and West Indies Left Empty-Handed
Surprisingly, Pakistan has not been allotted any ICC event during the six-year cycle, despite previously hosting matches during the 2023 Asia Cup and vying to stage major tournaments. The West Indies, who co-hosted the 2024 T20 World Cup with the USA, have also not received any new hosting rights.
The move is likely to trigger discussions, especially in Pakistan, about the ICC’s selection criteria, given the nation’s improved security and infrastructure for international cricket in recent years.
A Global Spread with Strategic Partnerships
The ICC’s hosting matrix reflects a strategic blend of traditional cricketing nations and emerging markets. By involving Namibia, Ireland, and Scotland, the ICC aims to expand the global footprint of cricket while maintaining strongholds in established markets like India, England, and Australia.
With major events lined up and a mix of nostalgic venues and debutant hosts, the 2026–2031 cycle promises to be a defining era for international cricket—one filled with opportunities, surprises, and record-breaking moments.
