Cricket fans worldwide are gearing up for the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup which are set to commence on June 1, 2024, in the West Indies and the USA. The tournament promises exciting matches as 20 teams vie for the prestigious trophy.

Co-hosts USA and Canada will battle in the opening match set for June 1 in Dallas. But cricket enthusiasts are especially looking forward to the June 9 match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Long Island, New York.

The semi finals are scheduled for June 26 in Guyana and June 27 in Trinidad and Tobago, while the grand final will be held in Barbados on June 29. Over the course of 29 days, matches will be played across three venues in the USA and six in the Caribbean.

A notable change in format distinguishes this edition, as the 20 teams are divided into four groups of five each. Group A, hosted by the USA, includes cricket powerhouses India and Pakistan, alongside Ireland, Canada, and the host nation.

Defending champions England find themselves in Group B with Australia, Namibia, Scotland, and Oman. Co-hosts West Indies head Group C, competing against New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea. Group D sees Asian rivals Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, joined by South Africa, Netherlands, and Nepal, with matches played in both the West Indies and the US.

The top two teams from each group progress to the Super Eights stage, further divided into two groups of four. The Super 8 draw is based on pre-tournament seedings, determining matchups irrespective of group-stage standings. Teams also carry pre-assigned groups into the Super 8 stage.

The road to the semi-finals and, ultimately, the final intensifies as the top two teams from each Super 8 group advance, with the winners of the semi-finals set to clash for T20 World Cup glory. Indian fans can mark their calendars for key fixtures, including encounters with Ireland, Pakistan, USA, and Canada on June 5, June 9, June 12, and June 15, respectively, all taking place in New York and Florida.

Picture Credits - Hindustan Times