ICC to switch venues for Semifinal 1 (PC - x.com)
Another day and another big breaking is coming in from the T20 World Cup 2026. With the tournament happening across two different countries, the schedule is quite strange. Teams are muddling between India and Sri Lanka, who are co-hosting an ICC event together after 15 years.
Interestingly, Sri Lanka and Pakistan - among the Super8 teams - who have been playing all their matches in the Island nation. However, it wasn't meant to be the case - at least for the co-hosts. Now, reportedly, the Jay Shah-led ICC have made yet another change to the schedule with the tournament being in its business end.
Eden Gardens to lose the hosting rights?
As per the earlier schedule, Kolkata's state of the art, Eden Gardens, was supposed to host the Semi-final 1. However, now, the ICC has made a mind-twisting change to the schedule of the first semifinal bout.
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Earlier, it was stated that R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will only host the knockout game if Pakistan qualify for the semifinal. Now, as per a report from ESPNCricinfo, the stadium will also be hosting Semi-final 1 if Sri Lanka proceed further in the tournament. But, it will only be the case if they are against a team other than India.
Notably, Eden Gardens could lose out on hosting a semi-final if Pakistan make it through the Super 8s. Whereas, if both the Asian sides qualify from Group 2, then Sri Lanka will travel to Mumbai, while Colombo will remain the host for Pakistan.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka's chances in race to Semifinal
After rain had the last say in their opening Super8 clash, Pakistan will be at loggerheads against England on Tuesday at Kandy, which is a do-or-die fixture on a fresh wicket. If they lose against the Three Lions, Pakistan's chances to proceed forward will get slimmer.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka, after losing to England by a massive margin, find themselves at the bottom of the points table with a Net Run Rate of -2.550. The co-hosts' next tie at Colombo against New Zealand, on Thursday, holds vital importance in contest of the tournament.
Having said that, New Zealand, like always, can emerge as the dark house from that particular group, as the Mitchell Santner-led unit can become the party-spoiler to knockout the Asian sides.
Eden Gardens more sporting than Colombo
So far, Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium have hosted five completed fixtures in this T20 World Cup, with just one game won by the chasing team. On the contrary, the historic Eden Gardens has also hosted five matches, but it has been the Indian venue where teams like Italy and Scotland challenged the likes of the West Indies and England.
Nevertheless, Kolkata will the venue for India's last Super8 game against the Windies. While, the Blackcaps' remaining two games are to be played at Colombo.
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