ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm‑up Matches Schedule: Dates, Timings and Venues

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ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Warm-up Matches Schedule

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm‑up matches run from 2 February to 6 February 2026, giving teams a tight five‑day window before the main event begins on 7 February.

This short, busy block means most sides play just one or two practice games, so every over matters more than fans usually realise.

A quick look at the calendar shows a nice build‑up: early fixtures feature associate nations and “A” teams, then things crank up when full‑strength contenders step in, especially around 4–5 February.

It feels a bit like those last serious nets before a big exam – not the place for wild experiments, but still a chance to test combinations under real pressure.

Full Warm‑up Fixtures With Time and Venue

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm‑up schedule is centred in India and Sri Lanka, with all matches listed in Indian Standard Time (IST).

Fans following from other time zones may need a converter, but the core timings stay consistent: afternoon and evening starts that suit both stadium crowds and prime‑time TV.

Here is the complete fixture list in simple form:

This mix of fixtures quietly tells its own story: big names like India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, and West Indies all get at least one serious hit‑out, while emerging teams such as Nepal, USA, Italy, and UAE gain rare exposure against stronger opposition.

Key Teams and Talking Points

India’s main World Cup squad plays just one warm‑up, against South Africa at 07:00 PM IST on 4 February 2026 at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, which has already been flagged as the team’s sole tune‑up before defending the title.

A recent update on X from @ANI notes that, as per BCCI sources, India will travel to Sri Lanka on 15th February for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, follow ICC protocols with practice and media, reach the stadium on schedule, and then await the match referee’s decision on whether the game is called off.

Alongside that, India A handle extra workload in clashes with USA on 2 February and Namibia on 6 February, a strategy that keeps the primary XI fresher while still letting selectors watch fringe players under match pressure.

Other eye‑catching games include Australia vs Netherlands and Pakistan vs Ireland, both of which can reveal how well the so‑called favourites adapt to subcontinental and Sri Lankan conditions. There is also a quiet excitement around USA’s warm‑up run – facing India A and New Zealand in Navi Mumbai within four days should test both temperament and depth.

Venues, Conditions and Why the Schedule Matters

The warm‑up matches are split between Indian venues like Bengaluru, Chennai, Navi Mumbai and Sri Lankan centres in Colombo, mirroring the tournament’s joint‑host setup.

Bengaluru’s BCCI Centre of Excellence grounds generally offer true bounce, Chennai leans more spin‑friendly, Navi Mumbai often plays fast and high‑scoring, while Colombo can be slower and more humid – together giving a useful “mini‑tour” of conditions teams will face from 7 February onward.

For fans planning to follow or stream every ball, the fixed IST timings – especially the evening starts at 07:00 PM IST – make it easier to track marquee games without juggling odd‑hour kick‑offs.

In practical terms, this schedule is less about experimentation and more about fine‑tuning: checking powerplay options, death‑over plans, and how quickly players switch from bilateral mindset to high‑stakes World Cup cricket.

Disclaimer: All match dates, times, and venues are subject to change based on official ICC and host board announcements; fans should always recheck the latest schedule on authorized platforms. This information is provided for general guidance only and does not replace official fixtures, ticketing, or broadcast updates from tournament organizers.