The icc t20 world cup warm up matches 2026 schedule runs from 2 February to 6 February 2026, giving teams their final opportunity to prepare before the tournament opener on 7 February.
A total of 16 practice matches will be held across India and Sri Lanka.
These fixtures allow squads to adjust to local conditions, test combinations, and finalize their starting line-ups.
Teams will use this window to assess pitch behavior, weather patterns, and player form ahead of high-stakes tournament matches.
ICC T20 World Cup Warm Up Matches 2026 Schedule

ICC T20 World Cup Warm Up Matches 2026 Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue | Local Time (IST) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2 | Afghanistan vs Scotland | Ground 1, Bengaluru | 03:00 PM | AFG won by 61 runs |
| Feb 2 | India A vs USA | Navi Mumbai | 05:00 PM | IND A won by 38 runs |
| Feb 2 | Canada vs Italy | Chennai | 07:00 PM | ITA won by 3 runs |
| Feb 3 | Sri Lanka A vs Oman | CCC Ground, Colombo | 01:00 PM | OMN won 5 wkts |
| Feb 3 | Netherlands vs Zimbabwe | RPS, Colombo | 03:00 PM | ZIM won by 29 runs |
| Feb 3 | Nepal vs UAE | Chennai | 05:00 PM | NEP won by 7 wkts |
| Feb 4 | Namibia vs Scotland | Ground 2, Bengaluru | 01:00 PM | NAM won by 6 runs |
| Feb 4 | Afghanistan vs West Indies | Ground 1, Bengaluru | 03:00 PM | AFG won by 23 runs |
| Feb 4 | Ireland vs Pakistan | SSC Ground, Colombo | 05:00 PM | Match abandoned |
| Feb 4 | India vs South Africa | Navi Mumbai | 07:00 PM | IND won by 30 runs |
| Feb 5 | Oman vs Zimbabwe | CCC Ground, Colombo | 11:00 AM | |
| Feb 5 | Canada vs Nepal | Chennai | 01:00 PM | |
| Feb 5 | Australia vs Netherlands | RPS, Colombo | 05:00 PM | |
| Feb 5 | New Zealand vs USA | Navi Mumbai | 07:00 PM | |
| Feb 6 | Italy vs UAE | Chennai | 03:00 PM | |
| Feb 6 | India A vs Namibia | Ground 1, Bengaluru | 05:00 PM |
What Are T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches?
Warm-up matches are practice fixtures played before the main tournament begins. These games allow teams to prepare without affecting official records or tournament standings.
- Non-Competitive Nature
Results from warm-up matches do not count toward ICC rankings, tournament points, or qualification standings. Teams treat these as training sessions rather than competitive fixtures.
- Flexible Squad Usage
All 15 squad members can be used during warm-up games. Teams are not required to submit a fixed playing XI after the toss, allowing coaches to rotate players freely.
- Condition Adaptation
Warm-up fixtures help teams assess pitch behavior, weather conditions, and venue-specific factors. This information shapes tactical decisions for the main tournament.
- Team Combination Testing
Coaches use these matches to evaluate batting orders, bowling rotations, and fielding positions. Bench players get match time to stay sharp and prove their readiness.
India’s Warm-Up Matches List: Main Team vs India A
India Main Team
| Matches Played | Opponent | Date | Time (IST) | Venue | Captain | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 04 February 2026 | 07:00 PM | DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai | Suryakumar Yadav | IND won by 30 runs |
This fixture serves as India’s only warm-up match before the tournament opener on 7 February.
The three-day gap between the warm-up and the first match gives the team limited time to make final adjustments based on performance against South Africa.
India A Team
| Opponent | Date | Venue | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 02 February 2026 | DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai | IND A won by 38 runs |
| Namibia | 06 February 2026 | BCCI Centre of Excellence 1, Bengaluru | — |
The T20 WC 2026 Warm-Up Matches Schedule includes two fixtures for India A, allowing reserve players to maintain match fitness.
This approach manages workload for the main squad while keeping backup options ready for tournament selection.
Why Some Teams Are Not Playing Warm-Up Matches?
England and Sri Lanka will not participate in the official T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches Schedule fixtures.
Both teams are engaged in a bilateral T20I series during the same period from 2 to 6 February.
The ongoing series between England and Sri Lanka serves as their preparation phase.
Match conditions, player form, and tactical testing are already being addressed through competitive T20I games.
Sri Lanka A will still play one warm-up match against Oman on 3 February at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground.
This gives Sri Lanka’s reserve players match practice even as the main squad is occupied with the bilateral series.
Warm-Up Match Venues and Playing Conditions
- Bengaluru – BCCI Centre of Excellence
The venue offers balanced pitches with consistent bounce and some seam movement. Fast bowlers can extract assistance early, while batters get true bounce for stroke play.
- Chennai – MA Chidambaram Stadium
This spin-friendly surface slows down as matches progress. Batters face lower scoring rates, and spinners get grip and turn throughout the innings.
- Navi Mumbai – DY Patil Stadium
The pitch favors batting with a fast outfield and true bounce. Teams can expect high totals and aggressive stroke play from the start.
- Colombo Venues
Humid conditions and slower pitches characterize both R Premadasa Stadium and Colombo Cricket Club Ground. Spinners find grip, and pace bowlers need to adjust to reduced bounce.
T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches – Is it Available for Fans?
Several warm-up matches will be open to the public, with some venues offering free or low-cost entry.
Exact ticketing details vary by venue and match profile.
High-profile fixtures such as India vs South Africa are expected to require purchased tickets.
Venues hosting these matches typically announce ticketing arrangements closer to match dates.
Broadcast and streaming coverage will be selective.
India’s matches are likely to receive television and digital coverage, given viewer demand.
Other fixtures may have limited or no live broadcast, depending on broadcasting agreements.
Fans should check official ICC and host board channels for confirmed ticketing and viewing options as match dates approach.
Conclusion:
The T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches fixtures span five days from 2 to 6 February 2026. Key takeaways include:
- Total Matches: 16 warm-up fixtures across India and Sri Lanka
- Match Window: February 2-6, one day before the tournament begins
- India’s Approach: The main team plays one match; India A plays two
- Venue Diversity: Four different venues offering varied pitches and weather conditions
These practice games provide teams with their final preparation window before the tournament begins on 7 February 2026.