Cricket – Ricky Martin to Headline T20 World Cup Final Ceremony
Cricket – International pop star Ricky Martin is set to light up the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 closing ceremony with a special performance before the much-anticipated final between India and New Zealand. The event will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, promising fans a blend of music, celebration and high-stakes cricket.
Global pop icon to perform before the final
The organisers confirmed that Ricky Martin will take the stage for a specially planned live performance beginning at 5:30 PM IST. Known worldwide for his energetic stage presence and chart-topping Latin pop hits, the singer’s appearance is expected to bring a festive atmosphere to the stadium as thousands of fans gather for the tournament’s final showdown.
The International Cricket Council announced the performance through an official social media update, describing the event as a major highlight of the evening’s celebrations ahead of the championship match.
According to the ICC, stadium gates will open at 3:30 PM to allow spectators enough time to enjoy the closing ceremony festivities before the cricket action begins.
Music and celebration before the cricket spectacle
The closing ceremony is designed to create a vibrant pre-match environment for fans attending the final in Ahmedabad. Ricky Martin’s performance will headline the entertainment segment, turning the stadium into a grand celebration before the final begins.
With his global fan base and reputation for delivering energetic live shows, Martin is expected to add a strong international flavour to the event. His appearance is also seen as part of the ICC’s effort to blend sport with entertainment, a formula that has increasingly become a key feature of major global tournaments.
Following the performance, attention will shift to the cricket field for the tournament’s biggest match.
India and New Zealand set for title clash
The final between defending champions India and New Zealand is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST. Both teams reached the summit clash after impressive victories in their respective semi-final matches.
India secured their place in the final with a narrow seven-run win against England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The victory marked India’s fourth appearance in a T20 World Cup final, the highest for any team in the tournament’s history.
New Zealand, meanwhile, booked their spot after a dominant performance against South Africa. The Black Caps defeated the Proteas by nine wickets in their semi-final encounter at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday.
India chasing historic achievements
Sunday’s final carries additional significance for India, who have the opportunity to create multiple records if they secure victory in Ahmedabad.
A win would make India the first host nation to lift the T20 World Cup trophy on home soil. It would also mark the first time any team has successfully defended the title in the tournament’s history.
In addition, India could become the first side to win three T20 World Cup championships, further strengthening their position as one of the most successful teams in the shortest format of international cricket.
Anticipation builds for grand finale
With a star-studded musical performance and a high-profile final between two strong teams, the closing day of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to draw massive global attention.
Fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium will witness a unique combination of entertainment and elite cricket as the tournament concludes with both celebration and competition on the same evening.
Ricky Martin’s performance will set the stage, but once the music fades, the focus will turn to the cricket field where India and New Zealand will compete for the world title.