The T20 world cup warm up match schedule has been officially announced, giving fans a first look at pre-tournament action. The warm-up matches will take place from 2nd to 6th February 2026 across seven different venues. These games are crucial for teams to test strategies, check player fitness, and adapt to local conditions before the main tournament starts on 7th February 2026.
While England will not participate in warm-up games, other major teams such as Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and West Indies will play at least one match each. The Indian national team has one warm-up match scheduled against South Africa, while the India A squad will play the remaining two matches.
It’s time for the ICC Men's #T20WorldCup 2026 warm-up fixtures 👊
— ICC (@ICC) February 2, 2026
Here's how you can catch all the action LIVE 📺👇https://t.co/AVXYwfct6z
India’s Warm-Up Matches
India’s single warm-up match is scheduled as follows:
| Date | Match | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Feb 2026 | India vs South Africa | DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai | Only warm-up match for main Indian team |
This game will allow India to test their playing XI and fine-tune strategies before the tournament begins. The match will be streamed live on Star Sports, JioTV / Hotstar, and ICC.tv for free viewing globally.
Presenting India A squad for the warm-up matches ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. India A will play two warm-up matches against USA and Namibia.
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 2, 2026
🙌
Note: Tilak Varma will feature in one warm-up match before joining #TeamIndia for the #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/LIVpMvI6v6
India A Squad & Matches
The BCCI has announced the India A team for the warm-up matches. The squad is led by Ayush Badoni and features young talents and players returning from injury, including Tilak Varma, who is recovering from a recent injury during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
| Player Name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ayush Badoni | Captain | Leading India A squad |
| Naman Dhir | Batsman | Domestic circuit player |
| Ashutosh Sharma | Batsman | Emerging talent |
| Priyansh Arya | All-rounder | Versatile player |
| N. Jagdishan | Wicketkeeper | Experienced in domestic cricket |
| Tilak Varma | Batsman | Fitness test in at least 1 match |
| Riyan Parag | All-rounder | Provides balance to squad |
| Manav Suthar | Batsman | Young talent |
| Ashok Sharma | Bowler | Pace option |
| Urvil Patel | Wicketkeeper | Backup keeper |
| Gurjapneet Singh | Bowler | Spin option |
| Vipraj Nigam | Bowler | Medium pace |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler | Specialist spinner |
| Khalil Ahmed | Bowler | Young pacer |
| Mayank Yadav | Bowler | Spin option |
India A warm-up matches schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Feb 2026 | India A vs USA | DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai | First match for India A squad |
| 3–6 Feb 2026 | Remaining matches | Various venues | India A may play additional games |
These matches will give younger players exposure to international standards and allow senior players to gain match practice.
Other Warm-Up Matches
The warm-up series begins with the following fixtures:
| Date | Match | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Feb 2026 | Afghanistan vs Scotland | BCCI Center of Excellence, Bengaluru | First warm-up match of the series |
| 2 Feb 2026 | Canada vs Italy | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Day 1 match |
| 3–6 Feb 2026 | Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, West Indies | Various venues | Each team plays one warm-up game |
T20 World Cup 2026 Start & India’s First Match
The T20 World Cup 2026 will officially start on 7th February 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with the opening match between Netherlands and Pakistan.
| Date | Match | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Feb 2026 | Netherlands vs Pakistan | Colombo | Tournament opener |
| 7 Feb 2026 | India vs USA | Mumbai | India’s first match of the main tournament |
| 8 Mar 2026 | TBD | TBD | Final match; venue depends on Pakistan’s qualification |
Also read: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Full Details, Venues, and Key Fixtures
How to Watch
Fans can follow all warm-up matches through ICC digital platforms. Key broadcast details:
| Match | Platform | Type |
|---|---|---|
| India vs South Africa | Star Sports | Live TV |
| India vs South Africa | JioTV / Hotstar | Live streaming |
| All warm-up matches | ICC.tv | Free live streaming |
Summary-T20 world cup warm up match schedule
- Warm-up matches: 2–6 February 2026
- India warm-up: vs South Africa, 4 Feb, Mumbai
- India A squad: Ayush Badoni as captain, Tilak Varma included
- T20 World Cup start: 7 Feb 2026, Colombo
- India first World Cup match: 7 Feb, Mumbai vs USA
- Final match: 8 Mar 2026 (venue TBD)
These warm-up matches are designed to provide teams with practice under real-match conditions, test strategies, and allow emerging talent to shine. Fans can enjoy live coverage through multiple platforms, ensuring they do not miss any pre-tournament action.
