ICC U-19 World Cup 2026: India & Pakistan Separated in Groups, Tournament Begins January 15

Updated: November 20, 2025 01:02

Image Source: India Today

The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 will be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6. Featuring 16 teams across 41 matches, the tournament separates India and Pakistan into different groups, ensuring no early clash. India opens against USA, while Tanzania debuts in the competition.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the schedule for the 2026 Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, promising an exciting showcase of emerging cricket talent. Co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, the tournament will run from January 15 to February 6, 2026, spanning 23 days and featuring 41 matches.

This edition continues the traditional format of 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top sides progressing to the Super Six stage and knockout rounds. The opening day will see India face USA, alongside fixtures involving Zimbabwe vs Scotland and Tanzania vs West Indies.

Notable Updates

•⁠ ⁠India vs Pakistan separation: The two arch-rivals have been placed in different groups, meaning a clash is only possible in the knockout stages.

•⁠ ⁠Debutants: Tanzania will make its first-ever appearance, while Japan returns after debuting in 2020.

•⁠ ⁠Venues: Matches will be played at Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, Queens Sports Club (Zimbabwe), and Namibia Cricket Ground & HP Oval (Namibia).

Major Takeaways

•⁠ ⁠India’s Group A: India, USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.

•⁠ ⁠Pakistan’s Group C: Pakistan, England, Afghanistan, and Ireland.

•⁠ ⁠Tournament format: Group stage → Super Six → Semi-finals → Final.

•⁠ ⁠Total matches: 41 games spread across 23 days.

Important Points

•⁠ ⁠Tournament dates: January 15 – February 6, 2026.

•⁠ ⁠Hosts: Zimbabwe and Namibia.

•⁠ ⁠Opening fixtures: India vs USA, Zimbabwe vs Scotland, Tanzania vs West Indies.

•⁠ ⁠Cultural significance: The event highlights cricket’s global reach, with debutants and returning nations expanding the sport’s footprint.

The absence of an India-Pakistan group-stage clash is a major talking point, but fans may still witness the high-voltage rivalry if both teams advance deep into the tournament. With debutants like Tanzania and returning teams such as Japan, the 2026 edition promises fresh narratives alongside traditional rivalries.

Sources: Outlook India, DNA India, Khel Now, ICC, InsideSport, NDTV Sports

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