The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the groups and schedule for the upcoming T20 World Cup, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between archrivals India and Pakistan. The tournament, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, will feature 20 nations divided into four groups of five teams each. Defending champions India, led by newly appointed tournament ambassador Rohit Sharma, will face Pakistan in Colombo on February 15 as part of Group A. The group also includes the United States, Namibia, and the Netherlands. India’s campaign begins in Mumbai on February 7 against the United States, followed by matches against Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. Pakistan, which will play all its matches in Colombo, opens its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by games against the United States, India, and Namibia. The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, one of three venues in Sri Lanka, will host the marquee India-Pakistan clash. Italy, making its debut in a major cricketing event, is placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Group B features co-host Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman, while Group D includes New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, with semifinals potentially hosted in Mumbai, Colombo, or Kolkata. Ahmedabad is slated to host the final, but if Pakistan qualifies, Colombo will serve as the venue. India’s captain Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20 cricket after leading India to victory in the 2024 edition, expressed his hopes for a memorable tournament, emphasizing India’s hospitality and the players’ experience.