In a breathtaking display of sport and spectacle, Sri Lanka officially kickstarted its journey as the co-host of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The iconic R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo became the stage for a historic moment today, as the tournament’s golden trophy was unveiled in a manner that left thousands of fans in awe.
With the tournament set to run from February 7 to March 8, 2026, the arrival of the trophy marks the beginning of a high-stakes era for Sri Lankan cricket. This event not only signals the return of a major global ICC tournament to the island for the first time since 2012 but also serves as a vital catalyst for the nation’s burgeoning sports tourism sector.
Sri Lanka put on a dazzling show to unveil ICC T20I World Cup 2026 trophy
The highlight of the afternoon occurred just moments before the first ODI between Sri Lanka and England. As the crowd settled into their seats, all eyes turned to the sky. In a perfectly synchronized display, professional skydivers descended from the clouds, spiralling toward the emerald turf of the R. Premadasa Stadium. One diver carried the ICC T20 World Cup trophy, its platinum glimmering under the stadium lights as they made a precision landing at the centre circle.
The formal inauguration of the Trophy Tour had taken place earlier at the presidential secretariat, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. However, the stadium ceremony provided the public with its first “up-close” look at the ultimate prize in T20 cricket. Over the next four days, the trophy will travel to Kandy, Dambulla, and Jaffna, allowing fans across the island to engage with the spirit of the game.
The stadium atmosphere was electric, doubling as a grand rehearsal for the World Cup itself. The R. Premadasa is slated to host eight crucial matches, including a blockbuster India-Pakistan clash and potentially the grand final, should the Pakistan team qualify.
Here’s the video:
Dropping in with some heavy metal! 🪂🏆
The ICC T20 World Cup Trophy has officially made its grand entrance at RPICS.#ICCTrophyTour #T20WorldCup #SriLankaCricket pic.twitter.com/M9nHKAQOgS
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) January 22, 2026
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Sri Lanka to play against England as the ultimate preparation for the T20 World Cup
The ongoing bilateral series against England is far more than a standard international fixture; it is a strategic laboratory for both teams. For Sri Lanka, hosting a powerhouse like England provides the perfect “dry run” to test pitch conditions, logistics, and squad depth. The three-match ODI series in Colombo, followed by T20Is in Pallekele, allows the home side to fine-tune their strategies under the leadership of Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka.
With 20 countries participating in the upcoming World Cup, the stakes for the host nation are immense. Sri Lanka will be the exclusive home for all of Pakistan’s matches, ensuring that the local economy sees a massive influx of regional tourists and global media. Experts project that the tournament will be a cornerstone for the country’s 2026 economic recovery, with tourism arrivals expected to hit the 3 million mark.
By hosting 20 to 22 matches across three world-class venues—the R. Premadasa, the Pallekele International Stadium, and the newly upgraded SSC Ground—Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a year-round hub for international sports. As the trophy continues its journey across the island, the message is clear: Sri Lanka is ready to welcome the world.
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