ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to begin on Oct 17; India to kick-off campaign against Pakistan on Oct 24

After a year-long hiatus, the ICC Men's T20 World looks set to begin on October 17 in UAE and Oman. The Super 12 groups were announced beforehand, with arch-rivals India and Pakistan being drawn in Group 1. While the names of 8 teams are known, 8 other teams will vie for the remaining four spots in the qualifiers.

The tournament kicks off with the first match between hosts Oman and Papua New Guinea on October 17 in the Qualifiers round. Scotland and Bangladesh, the other two teams in Group B, will take on each other the same day at a later time.

When it comes to the Super 12 stage, Australia and South Africa will be the first to lock horns in Group 1 on October 23 while England and West Indies will take on each other the same day in the second fixture of the day.

The Indian cricket team will get its campaign underway on October 24 against Pakistan in Group 2.

Meanwhile, there's been a big question mark over the participation of Afghanistan in the showpiece event following the recent developments in the country that saw the Taliban taking over the reins, throwing the government out of power. It remains to be seen how the situation in the country unfolds in the coming weeks.