ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-up Schedule: India and India A Set for Crucial Practice Games
The excitement for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is building as teams finalize their preparations ahead of the tournament's commencement. The warm-up schedule has been unveiled, featuring practice matches across India and Sri Lanka from February 2 to February 6, 2026. These games serve as a vital opportunity for squads to fine-tune their strategies and acclimatize to conditions before the main event kicks off on February 7.
India's Warm-up Fixture Against South Africa
India's national team will engage in a solitary warm-up encounter, taking on South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on February 4. This match promises to be a thrilling preview, as it replicates the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, where these two cricketing giants last clashed on the global stage. Notably, India recently secured a 3-1 victory in a five-match T20I series against South Africa on home soil, adding an extra layer of anticipation to this practice game. The fixture is scheduled for a 7 PM start, offering fans an evening of high-octane cricket.
India A's Involvement in Warm-up Matches
In addition to the senior team, an India A squad will also participate in the warm-up leg, providing valuable exposure to emerging talent. India A is slated to face the United States in Navi Mumbai on February 2 at 5 PM, followed by a match against Namibia in Bengaluru on February 6 at 5 PM. These games are crucial for assessing bench strength and integrating younger players into the international setup, especially on the eve of the main tournament.
Full Warm-up Fixture List for T20 World Cup 2026
The warm-up schedule encompasses a diverse array of teams, with matches spread across key venues. Below is the complete list of practice games:
- February 2: Afghanistan vs Scotland in Bengaluru at 3 PM; India A vs USA in Navi Mumbai at 5 PM; Canada vs Italy in Chennai at 7 PM.
- February 3: Sri Lanka A vs Oman in Colombo at 1 PM; Netherlands vs Zimbabwe in Colombo at 3 PM; Nepal vs UAE in Chennai at 5 PM.
- February 4: Namibia vs Scotland in Bengaluru at 1 PM; Afghanistan vs West Indies in Bengaluru at 3 PM; Ireland vs Pakistan in Colombo at 5 PM; India vs South Africa in Navi Mumbai at 7 PM.
- February 5: Oman vs Zimbabwe in Colombo at 1 PM; Canada vs Nepal in Chennai at 3 PM; New Zealand vs USA in Navi Mumbai at 5 PM.
- February 6: Italy vs UAE in Chennai at 3 PM; India A vs Namibia in Bengaluru at 5 PM.
Notable Absences and Team Preparations
While many teams are utilizing these warm-up matches, some top-ranked sides have opted for alternative preparations. Australia, England, and New Zealand will not participate in the official warm-up games. Instead, Australia's final series before the World Cup is a three-match T20I engagement, and England will compete against Sri Lanka in a separate fixture. This strategic choice highlights the varied approaches teams are taking to peak at the right moment for the tournament.
Tournament Structure and Key Details
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 features a comprehensive structure, beginning with the group stage. Teams are divided into four groups:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia.
- Group B: Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman.
- Group C: England, West Indies, Scotland, Nepal, Italy.
- Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE.
Following the group stage, the Super Eight phase will see teams seeded into two groups: Super Eight Group 1 includes India, Australia, West Indies, and South Africa, while Super Eight Group 2 comprises England, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The semifinals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, potentially held at venues such as Eden Gardens in Kolkata, SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo, or Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The final will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad or the SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo, contingent on Pakistan's qualification status.
As the countdown to the T20 World Cup 2026 intensifies, these warm-up matches offer a glimpse into the competitive spirit and readiness of participating teams, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament.
