Badshah, Nora Fatehi, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, and Sivamani to light up the T20 World Cup Opening ceremony

Badshah Nora Fatehi Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and Sivamani to light up the T20 World Cup

• ICC T20 World Cup 2026 opening ceremony to blend classical and pop performances
• Sivamani, Rishab Sharma, Badshah, and Nora Fatehi to perform at Wankhede Stadium
• ICC to unveil official theme song "Feel the Thrill" by Anirudh Ravichander

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The much-anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opening ceremony will feature a star-studded lineup of performances blending India’s rich musical heritage with contemporary pop culture, ahead of the tournament’s first match between India and the United States on February 7 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

According to Hindustan Times, renowned Indian percussionist Drums Sivamani and sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma will kick off the ceremony with an electrifying act rooted in rhythm and classical instrumentation, setting a celebratory tone for the global event.

As per the source, "The segment is expected to foreground traditional sounds and musical improvisation, setting the tone for the global cricket event."

The festivities will transition into a contemporary performance as rapper-singer Badshah and actor-dancer Nora Fatehi take the stage later in the evening. Their act is expected to infuse high-energy pop and dance elements, bringing a vibrant close to the ceremony shortly before the opening match begins.

“Their act is expected to bring a contemporary pop and dance-driven close to the ceremony shortly before the opening match, between India and US, at the venue," the source added.

Beyond the live music, the opening ceremony will also showcase official presentations of the participating teams, large-scale visual displays, and a formal welcome marking the start of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka through March 8.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is also set to unveil the official theme song of the event, “Feel the Thrill,” composed and performed by music sensation Anirudh Ravichander. While the exact placement of the track within the ceremony hasn’t been formally detailed, it is expected to be a highlight of the audio-visual presentation.

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With a mix of classical artistry, contemporary beats, and elaborate fanfare, the opening ceremony aims to celebrate both the cultural diversity of the host nation and the global spirit of cricket. As fans around the world gear up for the spectacle, the performances by Sivamani, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Badshah, and Nora Fatehi will set an exciting tone for what promises to be a thrilling T20 World Cup campaign.