Ricky Martin to perform at T20 World Cup closing ceremony before India-New Zealand final
Ricky Martin will take the stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday for the closing ceremony of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, the cricket body has confirmed. The Puerto Rican singer's performance is expected to begin at around 5:30 PM IST, setting the tone before India and New Zealand contest the final later that evening.
A rare India appearance for the Latin pop icon
Martin last performed publicly in India during a 1998 concert in New Delhi, where around 15,000 fans packed the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to hear hits like Maria and La Copa de la Vida. Nearly 28 years later, his return will come with a considerably bigger audience watching on screens around the world.
The ICC has also promised a drone and light display celebrating Gujarat's cultural heritage as part of the pre-match build-up. The Narendra Modi Stadium, with a capacity of over 130,000, is expected to be packed for the occasion.
India and New Zealand set for a blockbuster final
Suryakumar Yadav's India come into the final as defending champions, having won the title in 2024. This is their fourth T20 World Cup final appearance after 2007, 2014 and 2024, and they have won two of those three. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, are in their second T20 World Cup final. They lost to Australia in 2021 and will be hunting a first title.
The two sides have met three times previously in T20 World Cups, and New Zealand have won all three encounters, in 2007, 2016 and 2021. India will want to correct that record on home soil.
India reached the final after beating England by seven runs in a 499-run thriller at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, with Sanju Samson's 89 off 42 balls earning him Player of the Match. New Zealand thumped South Africa in the other semi-final, with Finn Allen smashing a record-breaking century.
Build-up begins
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed confidence in the team's chances, though New Zealand's form in the knockout stage will give India plenty to think about. With the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka reaching its climax, Sunday in Ahmedabad promises to be a massive occasion, both on the pitch and off it.
