Bollywood glamour meets cricket fever as Wankhede lights up for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match

Bollywood and cricket, two of India’s most enduring obsessions, collided in spectacular fashion at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, creating an electrifying atmosphere long before the first ball was bowled. Match No. 3 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was as much a celebration of culture and fandom as it was a sporting contest, with the city fully embracing the moment.

The opening ceremony made it clear that subtlety was not on the agenda. Actress and singer Nora Fatehi set the tone with a high-energy performance filled with swagger, sparkle, and crowd-pleasing moves, instantly igniting the stadium. Moments later, rapper and hitmaker Badshah took over, cranking up the tempo and transforming the iconic venue into a pulsating pre-match party.

By the time the stadium gates opened at 4 pm, fans were already streaming in through the Pauli Umreer Gate, jerseys pulled on and voices warmed up. From the Sharad Pawar Stand, the view was unmistakable: a vast sea of blue jerseys, tricolor flags fluttering, and belief stitched into every cheer echoing around the ground.

The ceremony reached its peak as Badshah performed against the backdrop of a buzzing Wankhede, perfectly capturing the mood of the evening. The fusion of music, lights, and roaring fans blurred the line between a cricket match and a full-scale entertainment spectacle.

As the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup group stage clash between India and the USA prepared to get underway on February 7, 2026, the message was clear: at the Wankhede, cricket is never just a game. It is an event, a celebration, and a reflection of India’s deep-rooted love for both sport and cinema, a love that thrives best when the two come together under the lights.