India postpone T20 World Cup semi-final practice due to Lunar Eclipse 2026

2026-03-04 - 11:24

MUMBAI – The Indian cricket team postponed its training session ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England due to a lunar eclipse, the officials and media reports confirmed on Wednesday. The team had originally scheduled the session at 6:00pm at Wankhede Stadium, 25 days before the semi-final, as part of their routine preparation plan. An official BCCI statement had also confirmed that practice would run from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. However, the lunar eclipse was set to occur from 3:20pm to 6:47pm, and according to Hindu traditions, important tasks and activities are avoided during an eclipse, which is considered inauspicious. Following consultations between team management and players, it was decided that the session would start after 6:40 PM, ensuring preparations for the crucial semi-final began on a positive note. The sources confirmed that the team is observing religious customs during the tournament, with players visiting temples in various host cities before matches. India secured its semi-final spot after defeating West Indies in the final Super 12 match. The team will now face England in the semi-final on Thursday, while the first semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa is scheduled for today. The adjustment highlights how the Indian team is balancing professional preparations with cultural and religious practices during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan announces 15-member ODI squad for three-match series with Bangaldesh