The countdown to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has officially begun, and the excitement is building as teams from around the world gear up through a packed schedule of warm-up matches. These fixtures are not just practice games; they are a crucial part of tournament preparation, allowing teams to test combinations, assess player fitness, and adapt to conditions before the high-pressure World Cup matches begin.
Defending champions India will headline the warm-up phase, playing key matches that include a high-profile clash against South Africa, along with games against the USA and Namibia. Alongside the senior team, India A will also feature in warm-up fixtures, giving emerging players valuable international exposure.
With 16 warm-up matches scheduled between February 2 and February 6, spread across India and Sri Lanka, fans can expect five days of continuous cricket action ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Importance of Warm-Up Matches in ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Warm-up matches play a vital role in any ICC tournament, and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is no exception. These games allow teams to:
- Adjust to pitch and weather conditions
- Finalise playing XIs and batting orders
- Test bench strength and backups
- Help returning or injured players regain match fitness
- Allow captains and coaches to refine strategies
For India, these matches are especially significant as they enter the tournament as defending champions, carrying expectations from fans across the globe.
India’s Warm-Up Journey Ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
India will begin their final preparations with a marquee warm-up match against South Africa, a fixture that is expected to draw massive attention from fans and experts alike. This clash will serve as a real test of India’s readiness before they officially start their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the USA on February 7.
The Indian team management will closely monitor player workloads, bowling combinations, and batting depth during these matches to ensure peak performance when the tournament begins.
India A Squad and Ayush Badoni’s Leadership
In addition to the senior team, an India A side led by Ayush Badoni will also participate in two warm-up matches. These games are designed to groom future stars and give fringe players the opportunity to prove their readiness for the highest level.
One of the key names in focus is Tilak Varma, who is making his return after undergoing surgery following an injury sustained during the Ranji Trophy in January. Tilak is expected to play in the opening India A warm-up fixture before rejoining the senior India national cricket team.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Tilak Varma’s recovery is progressing well, and the warm-up matches will help assess his match fitness ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Total Warm-Up Matches and Fan Interest
A total of 16 official warm-up matches will be played between February 2 and February 6, involving teams from across the globe. Venues in Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru are expected to witness strong fan turnout, while matches in Colombo will give teams experience of Sri Lankan conditions.
This wide distribution of venues ensures balanced preparation for all participating nations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Match Venues
The warm-up matches will be played across top cricketing venues in India and Sri Lanka, ensuring world-class facilities and competitive pitches.
Venues in India
- BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru
- BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2, Bengaluru
- DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Venues in Sri Lanka
- Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Colombo
- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- SSC Cricket Ground, Colombo
These venues are known for offering varied pitch conditions, helping teams adapt before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 begins.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches: Full Schedule (IST)
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2 | Afghanistan vs Scotland | BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru | 3 PM |
| USA vs India A | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | 5 PM | |
| Canada vs Italy | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 7 PM | |
| Feb 3 | Oman vs Sri Lanka A | Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Colombo | 1 PM |
| Netherlands vs Zimbabwe | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 3 PM | |
| Nepal vs UAE | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 5 PM | |
| Feb 4 | Scotland vs Namibia | BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2, Bengaluru | 1 PM |
| Afghanistan vs West Indies | BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru | 3 PM | |
| Pakistan vs Ireland | SSC Cricket Ground, Colombo | 5 PM | |
| India vs South Africa | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | 7 PM | |
| Feb 5 | Zimbabwe vs Oman | Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Colombo | 11 AM |
| Nepal vs Canada | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 1 PM | |
| Australia vs Netherlands | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 5 PM | |
| New Zealand vs USA | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | 7 PM | |
| Feb 6 | Italy vs UAE | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 3 PM |
| India A vs Namibia | BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru | 5 PM |
Also read: Pakistan Cricket T20 World Cup Storm: Boycott Call Against India Sparks Global Cricket Crisis
When Do ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches Begin?
The warm-up matches of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on Monday, February 2, and conclude on February 6, just days before the main tournament kicks off.
Teams India Will Face in Warm-Up Matches
India will face the following teams during their warm-up phase:
- USA
- Namibia
- South Africa
These matches will allow India to test themselves against both emerging and established cricketing nations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Match Timings for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Games
The warm-up matches will be played at various times throughout the day:
- Earliest match start: 11:00 AM IST
- Most matches: Between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM IST
- Final matches of the day: 7:00 PM IST
This schedule ensures maximum viewership across time zones.
Live Telecast Details in India
Fans in India can watch the live telecast of all ICC T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches on the Star Sports Network. The broadcaster will provide full coverage, including expert analysis and pre-match shows.
Live Streaming Details in India
For digital viewers, the live streaming of ICC T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches will be available on:
- JioHotstar app
- JioHotstar website
This allows fans to watch matches on mobile, tablet, or desktop without missing any action.
Also read: AFG vs SCO Live Score: Afghanistan Take on Scotland in Key ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Clash
Conclusion: What to Expect from Warm-Up Matches
The warm-up matches ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 promise competitive cricket, experimentation, and early insights into team form. For India, these games are crucial in defending their title, managing player fitness, and building momentum.
With top teams like Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and West Indies also in action, fans will get a clear preview of what lies ahead in the tournament proper.
As the world gears up for another thrilling ICC event, these warm-up matches set the perfect stage for the drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments that define the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.