ICC T20 World Cup 2026 warm-ups schedule finally announced

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the warm-up schedule for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, January 27. Apart from the defending champions India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, India A are set to play two warm-up games against Namibia and the United States of America (USA).

The ICC T20 World Cup will be played from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka. The ICC delayed announcing warm-up matches after Bangladesh refused to confirm participation, citing security concerns about travelling to India, which created uncertainty around pre-tournament planning.

ICC Confirms Warm-Up Schedule For T20 World Cup

Defending champions India, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, will play one warm-up fixture. The Men in Blue will lock horns with South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4.

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The warm-up campaign will commence on February 2, and all Bengaluru matches will be played at the COE. Colombo will host Netherlands vs Zimbabwe and Oman vs Sri Lanka ‘A’, while Nepal will face the UAE in Chennai.

On February 5, Australia will test their depth against the Netherlands in Colombo. The warm-up phase will conclude on February 6, with Italy facing the UAE in Chennai and Namibia taking on India ‘A’ in Bengaluru.

Full Schedule Of T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches

India To Open T20 World Cup Campaign Against USA On February 7

Defending champions India will open their campaign against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Indian squad are expected to assemble in Mumbai on February 2 or 3 after their five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which ends on February 1 in Thiruvananthapuram.

India will play a warm-up match against South Africa on February 4 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has also confirmed that Tilak Varma will join the squad after completing rehabilitation for a lower abdomen injury at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The USA, who are placed in Group A with India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Namibia, will play two warm-up matches on February 3 and 5, with the DY Patil Stadium being considered as the venue. These warm-up games will allow teams to test combinations and adapt to conditions before the tournament begins.

Also read: Pakistan NOT TO boycott T20 World Cup or India clash due to fear of Jay Shah