The ICC has confirmed the schedule of practice matches for the T20 World Cup 2026, with the games scheduled to be played from February 2 to February 6. These events will serve as final rehearsals for the teams. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Starting on 7th February, giving players one last chance to adjust their skills, combinations and match awareness ahead of this important event.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches: Format and team plans
Warm-up games are designed to help teams improve their preparations in a low-pressure environment. Unlike official T20I matches, these fixtures allow greater flexibility. All 15 members of a team are allowed to participate, and there is no need to declare a definite playing XI at the time of the toss. This setup enables teams to rotate players freely, manage workloads, and test multiple combinations without worrying about match results.
The approach will be slightly different for India. The senior men’s team has to play only one practice match, while the remaining matches will involve the India A team. This strategy allows the management to give valuable experience to fringe players, while ensuring that key members of the main team remain fresh for the opening tournament.
The importance of these matches increases with the World Cup starting just a day after the warm-up window closes. Teams will focus less on results and more on execution – whether it’s arranging opening pairs, experimenting with bowling options in the death overs, or finding the right balance in the middle overs.
Locations and pitch conditions in India and Sri Lanka
Practice matches will be held across India and Sri Lanka, offering teams a variety of pitches and weather conditions to expect during the tournament.
In Bengaluru, the BCCI Center of Excellence is known for its balanced surfaces with consistent bounce, which is ideal for both batsmen and fast bowlers to gain rhythm.
Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium traditionally favors spin, allowing teams to test their middle-overs plans and slow-bowling combinations.
Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai offers a batting-friendly track and a quick outfield, perfect for power-hitting and sharpening death over execution.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2026 – Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya included in India A squad for practice matches
In Sri Lanka, venues such as the R Premadasa Stadium and the Sinhalese Sports Club offer slow pitches and humid conditions, helping teams adapt to the challenging environment.
T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches: fixtures
- 2 February- Afghanistan vs. scotland 3 PM IST in Bengaluru
- February 2 – India A vs USA, 5pm IST at Navi Mumbai
- February 2 – Canada vs Italy, 7 PM IST in Chennai
- February 3 – Sri Lanka A vs Oman, 1pm IST in Colombo
- February 3 – Netherlands vs Zimbabwe, 3 pm IST in Colombo
- February 3 – Nepal vs UAE, 5 PM IST in Chennai
- February 4 – Namibia vs Scotland, 1pm IST in Bengaluru
- February 4 – Afghanistan vs West Indies, Bengaluru at 3 pm IST
- February 4 – Ireland vs Pakistan, 5pm IST in Colombo
- February 4 – India vs South Africa, Navi Mumbai, 7pm IST
- February 5 – Oman vs Zimbabwe, 1pm IST in Colombo
- February 5 – Canada vs Nepal, 3 pm IST in Chennai
- February 5 – New Zealand vs USA, 5 PM IST in Navi Mumbai
- February 6 – Italy vs UAE, Chennai at 3 pm IST
- February 6 – India A vs Namibia, 5 PM IST in Bengaluru
Also read: Rashid Khan’s semi-final choice for T20 World Cup 2026 includes a subtle dig at Pat Cummins
