T20 World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Full Details: From Nora Fatehi To Badshah, Performances To Watch In Mumbai

Mumbai will stage the opening ceremony for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 ahead of the first match, with a diverse line-up including Badshah and Sivamani. India, defending champions, headline Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA, as the campaign begins in Mumbai.

Mumbai will host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 opener on 7 February, and the action will start even before the first ball. A large-scale opening ceremony is planned, featuring performances by Nora Fatehi, Badshah, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and Sivamani in front of a packed stadium.

The ICC confirmed on Friday that the four artists will lead the official ceremony, scheduled for Saturday before the first match. The event is expected to mix pop, rap, classical and percussion, showcasing different styles on one stage for fans attending the tournament’s launch.

Group stage outlook for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

On the cricket side, India will compete in Group A of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The group includes Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA. India will open the campaign against the USA in Mumbai on 7 February, adding to the city’s spotlight.

India enter the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 as defending champions. If India retain the title, the team will become the first to defend a T20 World Cup crown. That success would also secure a third T20 World Cup trophy, giving India the most titles in the tournament’s history.

The India T20 WC squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 brings together experienced names and newer faces. Suryakumar Yadav will captain the side, with all-round options and varied bowling choices. The full squad is listed below in tabular form for clarity.

Music line-up at ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 opening

Badshah, one of the headline performers at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 ceremony, underlined the global nature of the event. In a note shared by ICC, Badshah said, "I'm incredibly excited to be part of this global celebration of sport, entertainment and culture. Music just like cricket brings people together, and I can't wait to bring my energy to this incredible stage."

Sitar specialist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma described the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 show as a major moment for Indian classical sounds in a non-traditional setting. Rishab Rikhiram Sharma added, "I've always believed the sitar belongs in bold, unexpected spaces. Places that don't just change how people perceive it, but how they respect it. Opening for the ICC T20 World Cup wasn't something I imagined, but it's a powerful step in taking Indian music to a truly global stage. I'm thrilled to share my sound in this historic moment, and even more honoured to share the stage with maestro Sivamani alongside 60,000 fans in attendance!"

Sivamani’s role at ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 opener

Legendary percussionist Sivamani will also feature during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 opening ceremony, highlighting rhythm and crowd interaction. Sivamani stated, "Music and cricket both speak a universal language. Performing at the T20 opening in Mumbai is an honour for me. It's a celebration of India's energy and love for the game, and I'm excited to connect with the audience through rhythm before the match begins."

Together, the India T20 WC squad announcement, the group draw and the multimedia ceremony plans show how the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in Mumbai aims to combine sport and live performance. Fans in the stadium on 7 February will see both India’s title defence begin and an extended music-led spectacle.