Tigers begin T20 World Cup campaign against Windies in Kolkata

Bangladesh have been drawn in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Nepal and Italy for next year's ICC T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The groups and fixtures were revealed in a ceremony held in Mumbai on Tuesday.  

The Tigers will open their campaign against the West Indies on the tournament's opening day.

The month-long event will run from February 7 to March 8 across eight venues -- five in India and three in Sri Lanka. Featuring 20 teams, the competition will close its curtains with the final on March 8, scheduled to be held in either Ahmedabad or Colombo.

Following the group stage, the top four teams from the Super Eights will progress to the knockout phase. The semifinals are set to take place in Kolkata or Colombo and in Mumbai before the title decider.

Bangladesh will play their first three group fixtures in Kolkata. After the opener against the West Indies on February 7, they face Italy on February 9 before going up against two-time champions England on February 14. Their final group match will be against Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.

T20 World Cup Groups

Group A: India, USA, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan
Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal
Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

Bangladesh Group Fixtures:

Feb 7: Bangladesh vs West Indies, Kolkata, 3:30 PM

Feb 9: Bangladesh vs Italy, Kolkata, 11:30 PM

Feb 14: Bangladesh vs England, Kolkata, 3:30 PM

Feb 17: Bangladesh vs Nepal, Mumbai, 7:30 PM

(All are Bangladesh Times)

HIGHLIGHTS

Co-hosted by India (5 venues) and Sri Lanka (3 venues)

Top two teams from each group advance to Super Eights

Semifinals: Kolkata/Colombo and Mumbai

Final: Mar 8, Ahmedabad or Colombo

Total group matches: 40 (February 7–20)

The tournament will use the same format as 2024 -- 20 teams in four groups, ahead of a Super Eights phase, with the top two finishers from each group making it to the playoffs.

India vs Pakistan showdown on February 15, Colombo; first clash since 2025 Asia Cup

Pakistan plays all matches in Sri Lanka due to neutral venue agreement.