Five years after the conclusion of the 2016 edition, the long-awaited Men's T20 World Cup will commence this month in the stunning deserts of Oman and UAE. The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is the biggest event in the T20 international format and one of the biggest sporting spectacles to ever take place in the Arabian Gulf.
Fans from all over the world will be able to witness the live action at all 37 matches of the tournament, with UAE venues Dubai International Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and Zayed Cricket Stadium operating at a reduced 70% capacity in concordance with Coronavirus precautions. In addition, Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi will also introduce socially separated pods for up to 4 spectators on grass hills. Oman's only venue for matches, Al Amerat Cricket Stadium in Muscat, has had 3,000 temporary seats fitted for the occasion.
Prices start at as little as OMR 10 (GBP 19/USD 26/EUR 22) for fixtures in Oman and AED 30 (GBP 6/ USD 8/ EUR 7) for matches held in the UAE. In addition, all the venues offer group packages, meaning that families and friends can follow their national teams at an affordable price. If that doesn't bowl you over, cricket enthusiasts from the UK can also purchase exclusive multi-event travel packages, with return flights included from the UK to Dubai!
The first-round fixtures will kick-off on 17 October 2021, with a double-header in Muscat between Oman and Papua New Guinea, followed by Bangladesh v Scotland. The top 2 teams from each group will then advance to the Super 12 stage, which begins on 23 October with Australia v South Africa in Abu Dhabi. The final is scheduled for 14 November in Dubai, where 2 national teams will battle it out for cricket supremacy.
It will be the first time the Super 12 round will be played in the ICC T20 World Cup, as the number of teams increased from 10 to 12 to introduce the sport to newer regions. Newcomers Namibia and Papua New Guinea will be making their World Cup debuts this year, having been placed in the tournament's qualifying round. The other 14 nations have participated in the T20 World Cup before.
2016 champion, West Indies, will be looking to retain their title against previous winners England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Given the fierce rivalry between these teams, the fixtures are set to be a scintillating and intense experience for fans. Howzat for a line-up?
To secure your place at the ICC T20 World Cup, make sure you buy your tickets, hospitality, and packages today - you'll be guaranteed a wicket time!