The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off with a full-blown celebration tonight, and Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium is set to turn into a giant stage before the cricket takes over. From live music to dance performances and fireworks, fans walking in early can expect much more than just toss and first ball.
The opening ceremony begins at 6 PM IST, an hour before India face the USA, marking the official start of the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. With a packed stadium and millions watching at home, the evening promises a mix of entertainment and cricket fever.
Star-studded start to the tournament
The ceremony will be headlined by popular rapper-singer Badshah, known for his high-energy stage presence. Expect loud beats, crowd chants, and a stadium that feels more like a concert.
He will be followed by actor-dancer Nora Fatehi, who will perform with a large troupe of dancers in what organisers describe as a visually rich dance act. Both artists are set to return together for a grand finale performance to wrap up the show.
Organisers have designed the stage right on the field, with the official tournament emblem doubling up as the main performance area — a setup meant to reflect the fast, colourful nature of T20 cricket.
Trophy unveiling and formal launch
The formal segment of the evening will see ICC Chairman Jay Shah alongside former India captain Rohit Sharma, who led India to the 2024 title, welcoming the tournament trophy.
In a symbolic moment, 20 children from each participating country will join them on the field, representing the global spirit of the event. That’s when the T20 World Cup 2026 will be officially declared open.
When and where is the ceremony?
- Date: Saturday, February 7
- Time: 6 PM IST
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
The ceremony will roll straight into the cricket action. India vs USA begins at 7 PM IST, so fans attending the match are advised to reach early to catch the performances.
Where to watch live?
If you’re not at the stadium, you won’t miss out.
- TV: Star Sports Network , DD Sports
- Online Streaming: JioHotstar
Both the ceremony and the match will be broadcast live.
The ceremony and match will also be available live on DD Sports for free-to-air viewers across India.
Read More :- PAK vs NED T20 World Cup 2026 Live Streaming: When & Where to Watch, Colombo Pitch Report, Squads and Match Details
Tournament context
While the Mumbai show opens the tournament in style, the first official match of the competition will see Pakistan take on the Netherlands in Colombo earlier in the day. With two hosts, multiple venues, and defending champions India in the mix, this edition is expected to be one of the most watched T20 World Cups yet.
For fans, it’s the perfect mix — a concert-like start followed by a high-voltage cricket clash under lights at Wankhede.
