Early cricketing roots revisited as ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour reaches Indian campuses

The Class of 26 initiative took the trophy to the former schools and colleges of Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson during the DP World supported tour

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour visited educational institutions across India as part of the Class of 26 initiative, which traces the formative journeys of current members of the Indian squad. The programme aims to connect students with the early years of international cricketers by taking the World Cup trophy back to the places where their ambitions first took shape.

As part of the tour, the trophy was taken to the former schools and colleges of Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson. The visits form a key segment of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour, supported by DP World, and are designed to highlight the early environments that shaped the players’ careers.
The initiative seeks to carry the trophy to the alma maters of every member of the Indian team, linking school and college grounds with the international stage. By revisiting these institutions, the programme acknowledges the role played by early mentors, peers, and facilities in nurturing talent long before national selection and global recognition.

At each campus, students welcomed the trophy with ceremonial honours and participated in interactive activities alongside tournament mascots Blaze and Tonk. The engagement included games, challenges, and opportunities for students to interact with the trophy, with select participants receiving ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with DP World merchandise.
The first visit took place at MK High School in Vadodara, the former school of Hardik Pandya, in the presence of Principal Vinaya Tulasi and Director Subhash Pandya. The tour then moved to the College of Commerce in Patna, where Ishan Kishan studied, attended by Vice Principal Dr M Faizal, Sports In-charge K B Padmadeo, and members of the teaching faculty. The third stop was Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram, the former college of Sanju Samson, with Principal Dr Meera George and faculty members present.

At Mar Ivanios College, students added a personal element to the visit by creating a backdrop spelling Sanju Samson’s name using notes and leaving written messages, reflecting the emotional connection between current students and alumni who have gone on to represent the country.
The Class of 26 initiative also recognises the years of discipline and persistence that underpin international careers. By presenting the trophy within educational settings, the programme places emphasis on long-term effort rather than outcomes alone, encouraging students to engage with sport as a pathway shaped over time.

The tour will continue with visits to other educational institutions associated with members of the Indian squad. Fans can follow updates through the official ICC Trophy Tour social media handle.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from 7 February to 8 March across venues in India and Sri Lanka. Matches will be hosted at stadiums including Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Eden Gardens in Kolkata, R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo, and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

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