The ICC has confirmed the schedule for the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches, with games set to be played from February 2 to February 6. These fixtures will serve as the final rehearsal for teams before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway on February 7, giving players one last opportunity to adjust their skills, combinations, and match awareness ahead of the marquee event.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches: Format and team plans
The warm-up games are designed to help teams fine-tune their preparations in a low-pressure environment. Unlike official T20I matches, these fixtures allow greater flexibility. All 15 members of a squad are permitted to take part, and no fixed playing XI is required to be announced at the toss. This setup enables teams to rotate players freely, manage workloads, and test multiple combinations without worrying about match results.
For India, the approach will be slightly different. The senior men’s team is scheduled to play only one warm-up match, while the remaining fixtures will feature the India A squad. This strategy allows the management to give fringe players valuable exposure while ensuring key members of the main team remain fresh for the tournament opener.
With the World Cup beginning just a day after the warm-up window closes, these matches carry added importance. Teams will focus less on outcomes and more on execution – whether it’s settling opening pairs, experimenting with bowling options at the death, or finding the right balance in the middle overs.
Venues and pitch conditions across India and Sri Lanka
The warm-up matches will be staged across India and Sri Lanka, offering teams a variety of pitch and weather conditions similar to what they can expect during the tournament.
In Bengaluru, the BCCI Centre of Excellence is known for balanced surfaces with consistent bounce, making it ideal for both batters and fast bowlers to find rhythm.
Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium traditionally favorus spin, allowing teams to test their middle-over plans and slow-bowling combinations.
Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil Sports Academy offers batting-friendly tracks and quick outfields, perfect for sharpening power-hitting and death-over execution.
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In Sri Lanka, venues such as R Premadasa Stadium and the Sinhalese Sports Club provide slower pitches and humid conditions, helping teams adapt to challenging environments.
T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches: Fixtures
- February 2 – Afghanistan vs Scotland in Bengaluru at 3 PM IST
- February 2 – India A vs USA in Navi Mumbai at 5 PM IST
- February 2 – Canada vs Italy in Chennai at 7 PM IST
- February 3 – Sri Lanka A vs Oman in Colombo at 1 PM IST
- February 3 – Netherlands vs Zimbabwe in Colombo at 3 PM IST
- February 3 – Nepal vs UAE in Chennai at 5 PM IST
- February 4 – Namibia vs Scotland in Bengaluru at 1 PM IST
- February 4 – Afghanistan vs West Indies in Bengaluru at 3 PM IST
- February 4 – Ireland vs Pakistan in Colombo at 5 PM IST
- February 4 – India vs South Africa in Navi Mumbai at 7 PM IST
- February 5 – Oman vs Zimbabwe in Colombo at 1 PM IST
- February 5 – Canada vs Nepal in Chennai at 3 PM IST
- February 5 – New Zealand vs USA in Navi Mumbai at 5 PM IST
- February 6 – Italy vs UAE in Chennai at 3 PM IST
- February 6 – India A vs Namibia in Bengaluru at 5 PM IST
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