The ICC has confirmed that Semi-final 1 of the T20 World Cup 2026 will be a floating match, depending on which teams qualify.
As per the updated arrangement, the venue for the first semi-final can be either Colombo or Kolkata. The final call will depend mainly on whether Pakistan and Sri Lanka reach the knockouts.
If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play Semi-final 1 in Colombo on March 4, 2026.
The match will be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium, which will replace Kolkata as the host for that game.
The ICC statement, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, said, “Semi-final 1 is a floating arrangement with the match to be held in either Colombo or Kolkata. If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in semi-final 1 in Colombo on 4 March.”
There is also a special clause involving Sri Lanka. If Pakistan do not qualify, but Sri Lanka do and they are not facing India, then Sri Lanka will play Semi-final 1 in Colombo.
This opens the door for Sri Lanka to get a home semi-final at the Premadasa Stadium, provided the match-up fits the conditions.
However, there is no chance of a Sri Lanka versus Pakistan semi-final. Both teams are in Group 2 of the Super Eights, which means they cannot meet in the last four.
If neither Pakistan nor Sri Lanka qualify, then Semi-final 1 will be played in Kolkata as originally planned. In that case, Semi-final 2 will be staged in Mumbai.
For Indian fans, there is another key detail. If India qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Mumbai.
But if India face Pakistan in the semi-finals, the match will shift to Colombo. The ICC release clearly stated that an India versus Pakistan semi-final will be held in Colombo.
It also added that if Pakistan reach the final, the summit clash will move from Ahmedabad to Colombo.
This update slightly changes the schedule announced in November, which had mostly focused on Pakistan’s preference to play knockout matches in Sri Lanka.
Now, the venue plans clearly link semi-final locations to which of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka reach the final four.
With the Super Eight stage underway, fans will be watching not just the points table but also the possible travel plans for the knockouts.