Sri Lanka marked a memorable start to its role as a co-host of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a dramatic trophy unveiling at the R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo. In a spectacle that immediately captured global attention, professional skydivers descended from the sky carrying the iconic ICC T20 World Cup trophy, moments before the first ODI between Sri Lanka and England.
The breathtaking visual underlined Sri Lanka’s readiness to welcome elite international cricket back to its shores. This unveiling was particularly significant as it signalled the return of a major ICC event to Sri Lanka for the first time since 2012. While the Trophy Tour was officially launched earlier at the Presidential Secretariat, the stadium ceremony gave fans their first up-close glimpse of the coveted silverware.
Sri Lanka is scheduled to host between 20 and 22 matches during the tournament across Colombo, Pallekele, and the SSC Ground, with expectations that the event will provide a substantial boost to tourism and the local economy in 2026. The ceremony unfolded just before the opening ODI, with skydivers executing a synchronised descent into the stadium.
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One diver carried the trophy, creating a spine-tingling moment as the parachutes floated into the arena. Although there was a brief skid on landing, the diver safely reached the centre circle, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Dropping in with some heavy metal! 🪂🏆
The ICC T20 World Cup Trophy has officially made its grand entrance at RPICS.#ICCTrophyTour #T20WorldCup #SriLankaCricket pic.twitter.com/M9nHKAQOgS
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) January 22, 2026
Sri Lankan Military paratroopers seen training ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, scheduled to take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium tomorrow during the Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI. Video shared by Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Lasith Malinga. pic.twitter.com/irZ0NdtPAQ
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) January 21, 2026
The R. Premadasa Stadium, set to host eight World Cup matches, including the high-profile India vs Pakistan clash, will be a key venue during the tournament. Following the Colombo event, the trophy is scheduled to travel to Kandy, Dambulla, and Jaffna over the next four days as part of the nationwide tour.
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Earlier in the week, the Trophy Tour had already created headlines by soaring over Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu) via a two-seater paramotor flight. However, off-field concerns continue to loom, with uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation. Despite an ICC ultimatum, Bangladesh has maintained its refusal to play matches in India due to unresolved security concerns, raising fresh questions ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
