As the countdown to the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup enters its final stages, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to officially release the warm-up match schedule later today, Monday, January 26, 2026.
The announcement was reportedly delayed due to the late withdrawal of Bangladesh from the tournament (replaced by Scotland), forcing a reshuffle of pre-tournament logistics.
India’s Final Rehearsal
While most teams will play multiple practice games, the defending champions, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are likely to have a very focused preparation window:
- The Opponent: India is widely expected to face South Africa in their primary warm-up fixture.
- The Date: Tentatively scheduled for February 4, 2026.
- The Venue: The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai is the frontrunner to host this high-profile clash, though the Brabourne Stadium is also being considered.
- Squad Reassembly: The Indian team will gather in Mumbai on February 2 or 3, following the conclusion of their bilateral series against New Zealand.
Key Highlights for Other Teams
- India ‘A’: Reports suggest an India ‘A’ side will also participate in warm-up fixtures to help other visiting nations get acclimated to Indian conditions.
- USA’s Preparation: The United States, who open the tournament against India, are scheduled to play two warm-up matches on February 3 and 5.
- Global Schedule: Warm-up matches are expected to be spread across venues in Mumbai, Colombo, and Kandy between February 1 and February 5.
Tournament Snapshot
The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7, 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
| Event | Date |
| Warm-Up Window | Feb 1 – Feb 5, 2026 |
| Tournament Start | Feb 7, 2026 (India vs USA, Mumbai) |
| Ind vs Pak Blockbuster | Feb 15, 2026 (Colombo) |
| World Cup Final | March 8, 2026 (Ahmedabad) |