Ricky Martin to rock T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand
Latin music legend set to perform at cricket’s biggest night
DUBAI/MUMBAI – India and New Zealand will meet in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad on Sunday, and organisers have announced that global pop star Ricky Martin will headline the closing ceremony before the big match.
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket venue, has been earmarked to host the final, and fans can expect a night of music and sport. Gates will open at 3.30pm local time, with Martin’s performance scheduled to kick off at 5.30pm before the cricket action begins.
This unusual blend of pop entertainment and world-class cricket promises a unique celebration, as the crowd gears up for the India vs New Zealand showdown.
Ricky Martin to rock Ahmedabad
Puerto Rican singer and actor Ricky Martin is a household name in global pop music. He first rose to fame with the Latin boy band Menudo and became a worldwide pop sensation in the late 1990s, helping to popularise Latin music with hits such as “La Copa de la Vida” and “Livin’ la Vida Loca”.
Today he still commands huge audiences with his energetic stage shows. His presence at the T20 World Cup closing ceremony adds major star power to the event, blending Latin beats with the cricket atmosphere. Fans can expect Martin to perform some of his signature anthems to kick off the final in style.
???? The #T20WorldCup party just got bigger!
— ICC (@ICC) March 6, 2026
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
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is a fitting stage for such a grand finale. With a seating capacity of 132,000 (it even hosted a Coldplay concert with roughly 112,000 fans), Modi Stadium will combine the atmosphere of a sold-out concert and a championship match. The modern arena is fully equipped to stage massive events, with high-definition screens and lighting rigs. It has already hosted marquee cricket matches, including the 2023 ODI World Cup final, and is designed to handle large-scale entertainment productions. On 8 March, the stadium is expected to be packed to capacity, amplifying the energy of both sport and song.
T20 World Cup Final
On the cricket field, both finalists have been in fine form. India enter as the defending T20 World Cup champions and boast a proud tournament history. They reached the final by beating England by seven runs in a thrilling semi-final. New Zealand also powered into the decider, chasing down South Africa’s target with nine wickets to spare. Both sides have deep batting line-ups and crafty bowlers, so the clash is set to be a high-stakes contest. With the title on the line, the final promises a memorable spectacle of cricket before and after Martin’s show.
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— ICC (@ICC) March 5, 2026
India and New Zealand will chase ultimate glory in the #T20WorldCup Final ???? pic.twitter.com/L1iPOTLfbX
The festivities will begin well ahead of the toss. Early arrivals will find a festival-like atmosphere in the stadium bowl, with screens and hosts warming up the crowd. Ricky Martin’s full set – likely mixing English and Spanish-language hits – will prime spectators before the players take the field. Colourful lighting and music will punctuate the show as part of the build-up, and special effects or fireworks may add to the spectacle. The official motto #FeelTheThrill captures the spirit: a celebration of cricket and culture in one night.