T20 World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Tickets: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is all set to begin on Saturday, February 7, and the global cricket festival will kick off with a spectacular opening ceremony at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. The ceremony will precede India’s opening match against the United States, making it one of the most anticipated moments of the tournament.
While the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to release an official announcement, multiple credible reports suggest a star-studded cultural showcase blending classical Indian music with contemporary pop performances.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Opening Day Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament Start Date | 7 February 2026 |
| Opening Match | Pakistan vs Netherlands |
| Venue (Opening Match) | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
| India’s First Match | India vs USA |
| Opening Ceremony Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Hosts | India & Sri Lanka |
| Tournament Ends | 8 March 2026 |
Three matches are scheduled on the opening day, with India’s fixture taking center stage due to the ceremony and global viewership.
When Is the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony?
The opening ceremony will take place approximately two hours before the India vs USA match on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
- Expected Start Time: Around 5:00 PM IST
- Match Start Time: 7:00 PM IST
Fans inside the stadium will witness the ceremony as part of their match-day experience.
Who Will Perform at the Opening Ceremony?
Although the ICC has not issued a formal confirmation, a Hindustan Times report has revealed a powerful lineup of performers representing both tradition and modern entertainment.
Expected Performers
- Drums Sivamani – Legendary percussionist known for electrifying live performances
- Rishab Rikhiram Sharma – Acclaimed sitar virtuoso carrying forward a classical legacy
- Badshah – One of India’s biggest pop and rap artists
- Nora Fatehi – Internationally popular dancer and performer
The ceremony is expected to begin with classical rhythm and instrumental fusion, gradually transitioning into high-energy pop and dance performances to build momentum before the match.
Official Theme Song Launch
The ICC is also set to unveil the official theme song of the tournament, titled “Feel the Thrill”, composed and performed by Anirudh Ravichander.
While the exact timing of the song’s premiere has not been confirmed, it is expected to be a major highlight of the opening ceremony’s audio-visual presentation.
What Else to Expect at the Opening Ceremony?
Beyond live music and performances, the ceremony will include:
- Official presentation of participating teams
- Large-scale LED visuals and fireworks
- Formal welcome marking the start of the tournament
- Cultural elements celebrating India’s diversity and cricketing legacy
The event aims to reflect the global spirit of cricket while showcasing India as a co-host nationOpening Ceremony Tickets: Do You Need a Separate Pass?
There is no separate ticket for the opening ceremony.
Read more: RCB vs DC Final Tickets WPL 2026
T20 World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Tickets
- Access to the ceremony is included with the India vs USA match ticket
- Tickets were released in multiple phases starting December 2025
- Starting price: ₹750 (Phase 1)
- Entry-level pricing for select matches across the tournament started as low as:
- India: ₹100
- Sri Lanka: LKR 1,000
As of now, tickets for the India vs USA opening fixture at Wankhede Stadium are reported to be sold out on the official ICC ticketing platform.
Ticket site
Visit the official website. check out more.
Where to Watch the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Live?
Indian fans can catch the opening ceremony live through official broadcast partners.
Live Streaming & TV Broadcast
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar app
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
International viewers can check local ICC broadcast partners in their respective regions.
Why the Opening Ceremony Matters
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup opening ceremony sets the emotional and cultural tone for the entire tournament. With a mix of classical artistry, contemporary pop culture, and world-class production, the 2026 edition promises to be one of the most memorable starts in T20 World Cup history.
With cricket fans across continents tuning in, the performances by Sivamani, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Badshah, and Nora Fatehi are expected to create a thrilling build-up ahead of India’s campaign opener.
FAQs
When is the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, 7 February 2026, and will take place roughly two hours before the India vs USA match.
Where will the T20 World Cup 2026 opening ceremony be held?
The ceremony will be hosted at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, one of India’s most iconic cricket venues.
Is there a separate ticket for the opening ceremony?
No, there is no separate ticket. Fans attending the India vs USA match at Wankhede Stadium will automatically have access to the opening ceremony.
Who are the performers at the opening ceremony?
As per media reports, performers are expected to include Drums Sivamani, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Badshah, and Nora Fatehi. An official confirmation from the ICC is still awaited.
What time will the opening ceremony start?
The ceremony is expected to begin around 5:00 PM IST, with the match starting at 7:00 PM IST.
Will the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 theme song be launched during the ceremony?
Yes, the ICC is expected to unveil the official theme song “Feel the Thrill”, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, during the opening ceremony.
Where can fans watch the opening ceremony live in India?
Indian viewers can watch the ceremony live on the JioHotstar app, while Star Sports Network will telecast it on television.
Is the opening ceremony only in India?
Yes, although the tournament is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the opening ceremony is expected to take place only in Mumbai.
Which match follows the opening ceremony?
The ceremony will be followed by the India vs USA match, India’s first fixture of the tournament.
Why is the opening ceremony important for the T20 World Cup?
The opening ceremony marks the official start of the tournament, celebrates cricket culture, introduces teams, and builds excitement for fans worldwide.
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