One of the biggest cricket games of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is currently in limbo of being played.
Pakistan is threatening to boycott the Feb. 15 match against archrival India, in protest and to stand with Bangladesh, which is out of the World Cup after refusing to play games in India, due to security concerns.
The decision to skip what is usually the biggest match of any international cricket tournament comes straight from the Pakistan government, as tensions continue to mount between the neighboring countries in Asia.
Despite the Pakistan-India match likely not happening, the T20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka will still have many exciting games. Here's a look at eight of the top matches to watch in the 2026 T20 World Cup:
USA vs India
Date: Saturday, Feb. 7
Team USA opens its second T20 World Cup appearance with a match against the host India from Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India.
During the 2024 T20 World Cup, the U.S. fell to India by 7 wickets on June 12, 2024. How the USA competes in this game against the host and favorite could tell fans how the tournament will go.
Italy vs Scotland
Sunday, Feb. 8
Italy will make its T20 World Cup debut against the team it defeated in the European qualifier to seal the spot for its first-ever World Cup in the format.
Scotland backed into the tournament as a replacement for Bangladesh, when it was removed from the World Cup after a refusal to play in India due to security concerns.
USA vs Pakistan
Date: Tuesday, Feb 10
On June 4, 2024, USA cricket had a historic win over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in Dallas. The win is considered by many to be the biggest upset win in cricket history.
Now the U.S. will need to hold off an angry Pakistan team that will be seeking revenge for the embarrassing loss when the team's square off from the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
England vs West Indies
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 11
The match pits two of the finalists from the 2016 T20 World Cup. West Indies defeated England on back-to-back-to-back-to-back sixes from Carlos Brathwaite in the 20th over.
Both teams will be under new leadership during this tournament when they face off in Mumbai, as both made coaching changes in 2025.
South Africa vs Afghanistan
Wednesday, Feb. 11
In the 2024 semifinals, South Africa defeated Afghanistan to clinch an appearance in its first-ever T20 World Cup final.
The two teams will again square off at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
USA vs Netherlands
Date: Friday, Feb. 13
Following two matches against two of the powerhouses in cricket, Team USA will get a bit of an easier match against the Netherlands from Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.
If the USA can steal a win against India or Pakistan, it will have a chance to qualify for the Super 8's for the second consecutive World Cup.
USA vs Namibia
Date: Sunday, Feb. 15
The USA completes its Group A stage games against Namibia from Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.
Coming into this match, Team USA should know if this is its final match in India or if it is playing for a spot in the Super 8's. Either way, this could be a statement game ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which will have cricket as a sport.
Australia vs Sri Lanka
Date: Monday, Feb. 16
While the initial group stages do not have a ton of star power going up against each other, the Australia and Sri Lanka match is one of the exceptions. Both teams have previously won a World Cup in the format.
With Sri Lanka acting as a co-host for the World Cup, this match could be a chance to signal to the cricket world that it is back to its winning ways against one of the most successful cricket powers.
Key T20 World Cup dates
Super 8s: Feb. 21 through March 1
Semifinals: March 4-5
Final: March 8
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Best T20 World Cup cricket matches to watch
