The cricket world is abuzz with anticipation as the schedule for the 2024 Men’s T20I World Cup has been officially announced. The marquee clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is set to take place on June 9 at Eisenhower Park in New York, promising an intense battle on the cricket field.
Hosted jointly by the USA and the West Indies, the tournament kicks off on June 1, with an opening match between USA and Canada. The grand finale is scheduled for June 29 in Barbados, promising a month-long spectacle of cricketing excellence.
The tournament will see a total of 20 teams competing, a significant increase from the 16 teams in the 2022 edition held in Australia. These teams are divided into four groups, each comprising five teams.
India finds themselves in Group A alongside traditional rivals Pakistan, as well as Ireland, Canada, and the host nation, USA. Other powerhouses like England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, and Oman make up Group B. Group C includes New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea, while Group D features South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Nepal.
India’s group stage journey includes encounters with Ireland on June 5, the highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on June 9, followed by matches against USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15. Meanwhile, Pakistan will face USA on June 6, Canada on June 11, and Ireland on June 16.
The tournament will be played across six venues in the West Indies and three in the USA, showcasing the global appeal of T20 cricket. The venues include Kensington Oval (Barbados), Brian Lara Cricket Academy (Trinidad), Providence Stadium (Guyana), Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (Antigua), Darren Sammy Cricket Ground (St Lucia), Arnos Vale Stadium (St Vincent), Eisenhower Park (New York), Lauderhill (Florida), and Grand Prairie (Texas).
The group stage, running from June 1 to 18, will determine the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super 8 round. During the Super 8 stage, teams will be further divided into two groups, setting the stage for intense battles between cricketing powerhouses. The top two teams from each Super 8 group will then qualify for the semi-finals.
Cricket enthusiasts can also look forward to defending champions England facing off against Australia on June 8 in Barbados. With a diverse mix of teams and venues, the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup promises to be a cricketing extravaganza, captivating fans around the globe.