Sundar Pichai and Sunil Gavaskar showcase T20 World Cup 2026 trophy on the field

Stars Unite to Unveil T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy

In a moment that blended cricket's rich heritage with modern innovation, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar stepped onto the lush green field to showcase the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 trophy.

The event, held under bright stadium lights, drew cheers from a packed crowd of fans eager for a glimpse of the coveted prize. Pichai, a passionate cricket enthusiast known for his vocal support of the sport, held the trophy high alongside Gavaskar, whose illustrious career includes over 10,000 Test runs and iconic World Cup performances. This ceremonial reveal marks a key milestone in the buildup to the tournament, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The trophy itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, standing at 51 centimeters tall and weighing just 3.9 kilograms, a sleek evolution from its heavier predecessors.

Crafted with five different metals for a striking silver-like shine, it features a silver-plated base and intricate detailing that captures the fast-paced essence of T20 cricket. Unlike earlier versions that tipped the scales at nearly 12 kilograms, this lighter design ensures captains can lift it triumphantly during victory celebrations. The manufacturing process involves precision laser engraving, hand-polishing, and flawless assembly, with every piece receiving individual attention from skilled artisans.

Behind the Craft: A $15 Million Symbol of Excellence

Reports highlight the trophy's staggering estimated value of $15 million, underscoring its status as one of cricket's most luxurious prizes.

From initial design sketches to the final gold finishing touches, the creation process demands months of meticulous work. Human hands guide critical stages like aligning the gold elements with the crystal base using adhesives tested for extreme durability, capable of withstanding 10,000 hours of vibration. The handle, the most-handled part, is secured with indestructible precision. Engraving for the eventual winners occurs post-tournament, preserving the trophy's pristine condition until history is etched onto it.

This level of artistry reflects the tournament's global prestige, drawing comparisons to other ICC icons like the World Test Championship mace. Fans marveled at close-up views, appreciating how the trophy embodies both tradition and modernity.

Building Hype for India-Sri Lanka Showdown

The unveiling comes at a perfect time, with the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 slated to feature 55 high-octane matches across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka.

Key stadiums include Mumbai's Wankhede, Delhi's Arun Jaitley, Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium for the final, Kolkata's Eden Gardens, Chennai's MA Chidambaram, and Sri Lankan gems like Colombo and Kandy. The format ramps up excitement with group stages, Super 8s, and knockout rounds involving 20 teams. Pichai and Gavaskar's involvement adds star power, bridging tech and sport worlds.

"Holding this trophy with Sunil Gavaskar is a dream for any cricket lover—it's a symbol of unity, skill, and the thrilling future of T20 cricket that will light up India and Sri Lanka," Pichai shared with the roaring crowd.

Gavaskar, ever the voice of cricket wisdom, reminisced about past World Cups while hyping the next edition.

Their joint appearance not only spotlighted the trophy but also stirred anticipation among millions of fans worldwide. As co-hosts, India and Sri Lanka promise a spectacle blending cultural vibrancy with world-class action, from squad announcements to sponsor-backed innovations. This event signals the countdown is truly on, with players and nations gearing up for glory.

In summary, Sundar Pichai and Sunil Gavaskar's trophy showcase has ignited fervor for the T20 World Cup 2026, highlighting the prize's exquisite design and the tournament's grand scale across India and Sri Lanka.