T20 World Cup 2026 Begins with Grand Opening Ceremony

Badshah, Nora Fatehi to headline star-studded show ahead of India vs USA clash in Mumbai

February 7, 2026: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka, promising weeks of high-voltage cricket and spectacle. While the tournament opener will see Pakistan face the Netherlands in Colombo, Indian fans’ focus will be firmly on Mumbai, where the hosts take on the USA at the Wankhede Stadium. Ahead of the match, the ICC has planned a dazzling opening ceremony starting at 6 pm IST to officially launch the tournament.

The ceremony will begin with a powerful musical medley by Rishab Sharma and Shivamani, followed by a dramatic moment as the T20 World Cup trophy enters the stadium, carried by a jetpack performer. ICC Chairman Jay Shah and tournament ambassador Rohit Sharma will then declare the competition open, joined by children representing all 20 participating nations, marking the formal start of the 10th edition of the event.

Entertainment will take centre stage next, with rapper Badshah delivering a high-energy performance, followed by a dynamic dance act by Nora Fatehi with a large ensemble. The show will conclude with a joint finale, pyrotechnics and a vibrant stadium-wide display. The ICC has confirmed that only ticket holders for the India vs USA match can attend the ceremony, urging fans to arrive early to catch the full spectacle.