Ahmedabad, Gujarat — March 6, 2026
Cricket fever reaches its peak as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final pits defending champions India against New Zealand on Sunday, March 8, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Adding to the excitement, the International Cricket Council has confirmed a star-studded closing ceremony featuring global pop icon Ricky Martin performing live before the match.
The ceremony kicks off at 5:30 PM IST, with stadium gates opening at 3:30 PM to allow fans to settle in for the pre-match spectacle. Ricky Martin, renowned for his energetic stage presence, Latin pop hits, and powerful vocals, is set to deliver a high-octane performance that promises to energize the massive crowd ahead of the high-stakes title decider.
The ICC made the announcement on its official X account, stating: “The T20 World Cup party just got bigger. We are delighted to announce that global icon and superstar Ricky Martin will be the main attraction of the closing ceremony before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final. You won’t want to miss this event.”
🎤 The #T20WorldCup party just got bigger!
We are thrilled to announce Global Icon and Superstar Ricky Martin as the headliner for the Closing Ceremony before the Final at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
This is one celebration you don’t want to miss! 🎶🏏✨#FeelTheThrill… pic.twitter.com/Wi18cfGuFb
— ICC (@ICC) March 6, 2026
India enters the final as strong favorites, aiming to become the first team in history to win consecutive T20 World Cup titles. This marks Team India’s fourth final appearance overall and second in a row after lifting the trophy in 2024 under captain Rohit Sharma. Their path included a thrilling semi-final victory over England, while New Zealand booked their spot by defeating South Africa. For New Zealand, this is only their second final appearance, having lost to Australia in 2021.
With both teams bringing world-class talent and momentum, the final promises edge-of-the-seat action. Ricky Martin’s performance is expected to set the perfect tone for what could be a historic night for Indian cricket fans.
