Entertainment Desk:

Mumbai is set to host a spectacular opening ceremony for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on 7 February.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Friday that actress and dancer Nora Fatehi, rapper Badshah, legendary percussionist Sivamani, and neo-classical sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma will lead the performances. The opening ceremony will begin at 6 pm IST.

Badshah expressed his excitement at joining the global celebration, noting that ‘music, like cricket, unites people’ and promising an energetic show.

Sharma described performing at the World Cup as a personal milestone, emphasising the opportunity to showcase Indian music to an international audience.

On the sporting front, India are drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.

The hosts will begin their campaign against the USA at the Mumbai venue, aiming to defend their title and become the first team to win the T20 World Cup consecutively for a third time.