India may not play their scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final in Mumbai if arch-rivals Pakistan also reach the last four, with the clash set to be moved to Colombo according to the International Cricket Council (ICC) hybrid rule.
As per tournament regulations, India are currently slated to feature in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium on 5 March, reports Daily Sun.
However, if both India and Pakistan qualify and are drawn to face each other, either as first and second in their respective Super 8 groups, the match will be shifted to the R Premadasa Stadium on 4 March.
According to an NDTV report, the ICC had earlier clarified the arrangement.
“If India and Pakistan meet in the semi-finals, that match will be staged in Colombo, while Mumbai will host Semi-Final 2 involving India if they face any team other than Pakistan,” the ICC stated.
Pakistan’s qualification would trigger another venue switch. The first semi-final, initially scheduled at the Eden Gardens, would also be moved to Colombo.
The arrangement stems from the hybrid model agreement between the two boards, valid until 2027, which mandates that all India-Pakistan matches in ICC events be played at neutral venues.
Interestingly, despite being co-hosts of the tournament, Sri Lanka would still have to travel to India for a potential semi-final against any opponent other than Pakistan.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
