The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will begin with a high-energy opening ceremony in Mumbai featuring a star-studded lineup of performers from the worlds of music and entertainment. The International Cricket Council has confirmed that rapper Badshah actor and dancer Nora Fatehi neo-classical sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and legendary percussionist Sivamani will take the stage ahead of the opening match on February 7.
The ceremony promises to blend sport culture and music as thousands of fans gather to witness the start of one of cricket’s biggest tournaments. Badshah expressed his excitement about performing at such a global event stating that music and cricket both have the power to unite people across borders. He added that he looks forward to bringing his signature energy to the opening celebration.
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma described the opportunity as a milestone for Indian classical music sharing that presenting the sitar on a global platform like the T20 World Cup reflects a new way of celebrating Indian sound and heritage. He also shared his enthusiasm about performing alongside maestro Sivamani in front of a packed stadium of fans. Sivamani echoed similar sentiments highlighting that rhythm and cricket connect audiences universally and calling the Mumbai performance a tribute to India’s passion for the game.
India will begin its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the USA in Mumbai and has been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan Namibia the Netherlands and the USA. The Indian team will be aiming to defend their title and secure a historic third T20 World Cup victory which would make them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.