Ticket sales for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 officially opened at 6:45 PM on Thursday, kicking off the countdown to the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The event begins on February 7, with India set to face arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15 in their third league match. But unlike previous years, the frenzy surrounding the IND vs PAK clash seems noticeably subdued.
According to BookMyShow, sales for the India–Pakistan match have not yet begun, but the platform lists the starting price at just LKR 1500; roughly ₹439. If accurate, this would be the lowest-priced India vs Pakistan World Cup ticket in history.
Surprisingly, tickets for India’s matches against less popular opponents are priced higher: Netherlands at ₹500, Namibia at ₹750, and the USA at ₹750.
This unexpected dip raises a serious question: Is the India–Pakistan rivalry losing its aura as the “Mother of All Battles”? Once considered cricket’s biggest box office event, the matchup now appears to be losing steam.
Recent geopolitical tensions may be contributing to the muted excitement. The brutal Pahalgam attack in April, which killed 26 tourists, triggered India’s massive Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan.
The aftermath spilled into cricketing relations. During the Asia Cup, Indian players refrained from shaking hands with the Pakistani team, including their captain, and declined to accept the trophy from the ACC chief; a Pakistani political figure; due to the ongoing conflict.
As the World Cup approaches, the big question remains: Can India defend their title and create history as the first host nation and the first team ever; to win three T20 World Cups?
The tournament runs from February 7 to March 8, with India beginning their campaign against the USA on opening day. Eight teams will advance to the Super Eight stage for a shot at the semifinals and the grand finale.
India enters as the reigning champions after winning in 2024, having already lifted the inaugural trophy in 2007. Victory in 2026 would cement their place as the most successful T20 World Cup team of all time.
