The ICC T20 World Cup is back and the excitement is already buzzing. From powerhouse teams to surprise underdogs, this tournament packs a lot of drama into just a few weeks. If you’re wondering where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
The 2025 edition features 20 nations divided into four groups. Each team plays three round‑robin matches, and the top two from each group move on to the knockout stage. The format means every game matters – a single loss can end a campaign early.
The opening match kicks off on June 7 in Dubai, with Pakistan hosting New Zealand for a thrilling start. From there, games shift across four host cities: Abu Dhabi, Colombo, Karachi and Sydney. The final is set for June 30, so mark your calendar early to avoid missing any action.
Below is a quick snapshot of the schedule:
All times are local, so double‑check your time zone before you set a reminder.
If you’re in the US, the tournament streams on ESPN+ and also airs on Disney+ Hotstar for select matches. In the UK, look for Sky Sports Cricket or the BT Sport app. Most African countries get free‑to‑air coverage via SuperSport, and many Asian markets have local broadcasters like Star Sports.
For cord‑cutters, a VPN can help you access regional streams that aren’t available at home. Just pick a server in the country where the match is broadcast and you’ll be good to go.
Stadium tickets are selling fast, especially for games in Karachi and Sydney. Official ticketing partners – Ticketmaster in the UAE, BookMyShow in India and Ticketek in Australia – offer early‑bird discounts if you book before June 1.
Each venue has its own vibe: Dubai’s cricket stadium boasts state‑of‑the‑art LED screens, while Colombo’s Galle Ground offers seaside breezes that can affect spin bowling. Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere, grab local snacks, and maybe catch a practice session.
The final squad lists dropped last week. India brings an all‑rounder heavy lineup with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack, while England’s power hitters like Jos Buttler are back to smash boundaries. Keep an eye on emerging stars such as Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and New Zealand’s Tom Latham – they could turn games on their heads.
One surprise is the return of veteran Australian spinner Shane Warne’s son, who earned a spot after a stellar domestic season. If you love stats, sites like Cricinfo update player ratings in real time, so you can track form throughout the tournament.
If you enjoy fantasy cricket, focus on all‑rounders who bowl their full quota of overs – they rack up points fast. For betting, the knockout stage often sees tighter odds, so consider low‑risk bets like “team to reach semi‑finals” early in the tournament.
Remember, cricket is unpredictable; a single over can flip the result, especially in T20 format.
Our site offers live match commentary, post‑game analysis and player interviews. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily recaps and push notifications that alert you when your favorite team is about to play.
Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just tuning in for the first time, the ICC T20 World Cup promises nonstop excitement. Grab your snack, set up your stream, and enjoy every six, wicket and drama this summer.
