New Delhi [India], December 16 (ANI): In a breathtaking celebration of heritage, unity and cricketing spirit, the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World was launched today over the Adam's Bridge, culturally revered in India as the Ram Setu, a symbolic gateway linking the two co-hosts, India and Sri Lanka, according to a release.

Against the dramatic backdrop of India's southern coastline, a two-seater paramotor ascended into the sky carrying the coveted T20 World Cup trophy in full view. The flight traced the shimmering chain of limestone shoals below, reaching the farthest authorised point over the bridge before circling back, capturing sweeping aerial visuals and the emotion surrounding this historic launch moment.

The dramatic lift-off, framed by the vast expanse of sea and sky, serves as a powerful metaphor for the scale, ambition and global reach of the tournament.

The 10th edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, featuring 20 teams, 29 days of high-intensity cricket and eight world-class venues (five in India and three in Sri Lanka), will take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026, promising to be one of the most compelling editions yet of the sport's most explosive format.

'Launching the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World above the Ram Setu, a site steeped in history, symbolism and shared cultural identity, sets an inspiring tone as we build towards this landmark event. This tour represents far more than the physical movement of a trophy. It is a unifying journey that brings continents, cultures and cricketing communities together, igniting passion among fans worldwide and strengthening the shared spirit that defines our game,' ICC Chairman Jay Shah said.

'As we prepare for the 10th edition of this global spectacle, our aim is for supporters everywhere to feel connected to the road to India and Sri Lanka. With every stop, the Trophy Tour will heighten the sense of anticipation and invite fans across the world to join us in celebrating what promises to be an unforgettable ICC Men's T20 World Cup,' he added.

Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, said, ' The T20 World Cup brings a unique intensity and emotion, and launching the Trophy Tour at the iconic Ram Setu perfectly captures the magnitude of the journey ahead.

'India has successfully hosted two 50-over World Cups in the last three years, and we are delighted to welcome fans to yet another world-class event. This edition will showcase the extraordinary growth and depth of the T20 format in India.

'As co-host, the BCCI remains fully committed to providing outstanding facilities for players and curating a tournament experience for fans that will resonate long after the final ball is bowled. The Trophy Tour marks the beginning of a campaign that will gather immense momentum as it travels across the cricketing world.'

Shammi Silva, President, Sri Lanka Cricket, said, 'As co-host, Sri Lanka Cricket welcomes the launch of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World with great enthusiasm. This moment signals the start of an exciting journey as we prepare to host fans from across the globe.

'Our commitment is to deliver an exceptional tournament experience, one that reflects the passion of our supporters, the vibrancy of our culture and the energy of our venues. We look forward to creating memories that will endure far beyond the tournament.'

The Trophy Tour with DP World will journey across Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, Nepal, Bahrain and Mongolia, giving millions of fans the chance to see the iconic silverware up close, participate in interactive experiences and build excitement ahead of the global event.

The tour will feature a diverse slate of engagements, including campus visits, fan meets, public activations and cricket carnivals, designed to celebrate the sport's energy and inclusivity. In a unique initiative, the trophy will also be taken to schools and colleges associated with players set to participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, offering young fans an inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime connection to the global stage.

In addition to the international cricket calendar, the trophy will be showcased at major T20 leagues and select bilateral series, extending its presence across competitive cricket environments and reinforcing the build-up to the tournament across formats and geographies.

The tournament venues are: Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), R Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (Colombo) and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy). (ANI)