The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the schedule for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches, setting the stage for an electrifying prelude to the main tournament. Running from February 2 to 6, these 16 preparatory clashes will take place across prime venues in India and Sri Lanka, the co-hosts of the upcoming spectacle starting February 7.
Cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat as India’s BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, and MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will host key encounters. On the Sri Lankan side, SSC Cricket Ground and Colombo Cricket Club Ground will see intense action.
India’s showcase begins on February 2 with India ‘A’ facing the USA at DY Patil Stadium. The senior team follows suit on February 4 against South Africa at the same venue, while India ‘A’ wraps up against Namibia on February 6 in Bengaluru. All Indian matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports and Jio Hotstar, ensuring fans don’t miss a beat.
The full lineup kicks off on February 2 with Afghanistan vs Scotland in Bengaluru at 3 PM, USA vs India ‘A’ at 5 PM in Navi Mumbai, and Canada vs Italy at 7 PM in Chennai. February 3 features Oman vs Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Colombo, Netherlands vs Zimbabwe at R. Premadasa Stadium, and Nepal vs UAE in Chennai.
Day 4 heats up with Scotland vs Namibia and Afghanistan vs West Indies in Bengaluru, Pakistan vs Ireland in Colombo, and India vs South Africa in Navi Mumbai. February 5 includes Zimbabwe vs Oman, Nepal vs Canada, Australia vs Netherlands, and New Zealand vs USA. The finale on February 6 pits Italy vs UAE in Chennai and India ‘A’ vs Namibia in Bengaluru.
These warm-ups are crucial for teams to acclimatize to conditions and fine-tune strategies ahead of the T20 World Cup. With star-studded lineups and high-stakes practice, expect plenty of fireworks as global cricketing nations gear up for glory.