Underdogs stole the show as politics threatened to sink the 2026 T20 World Cup

The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, delivered breakout moments from emerging nations even as diplomatic tensions forced Bangladesh out and reshaped the schedule. India still lifted a historic third title, but the tournament’s defining storyline became a test of cricket’s ability to function when geopolitics enters the fixture list.