Lanka could play T20 WC semi in Colombo

Sri Lanka could play their 2026 T20 World Cup semi final at home, if they make it to that stage, depending on who they play against and who else qualifies.

If Sri Lanka are drawn to meet anyone other than India, and if Pakistan do not make the semi finals, the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will host the match in what appears to be a change to the ICC's original schedule announcement and the tournament playing conditions.

In a communication to all stakeholders after the Super 8  line-ups were finalised, which has been seen by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC confirmed the semi finals logistics as follows:

• “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”
• “If Pakistan do not qualify for the semi finals, but Sri Lanka do qualify and play anyone other than India, then Sri Lanka will play in semi final 1 in Colombo.”

The ICC also reiterated that in the event of neither Pakistan nor Sri Lanka qualifying, semi final 1 will be played in Kolkata and semi final 2 in Mumbai. 

India, if they reach the semi finals, will play in Mumbai regardless of who they are drawn against unless they play Pakistan, in which case they will travel to Colombo. 

If none of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualify, the team that finishes first in Group 1 of the Super 8 will play the second-placed team from Group 2 in Kolkata, and the Group 2 winner will play the Group 1 runners-up in Mumbai.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan are both in Group 2 of the Super 8, so there is no chance of a Sri Lanka vs Pakistan semi final.

This marks a change – or at least a clarification – to the schedule that was announced in November, which made provision for Pakistan to play their semi final and final in Sri Lanka but made no mention of what would happen if Sri Lanka reached the knockouts. 

That release stated: “If Pakistan qualifies for the semi finals, Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium will replace Kolkata as the host of Semi Final 1. Should Pakistan reach the final, that venue will also shift from Ahmedabad to Colombo. 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.”

 ESPNcricinfo

Source - The Morning