ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Warm‑Up Matches Schedule, Dates, Timings, Venues & Live Streaming

Introduction

The excitement for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has officially begun with a series of warm‑up matches taking place ahead of the main tournament. These preparatory fixtures help teams fine‑tune combinations, assess form, and build momentum before the World Cup proper begins on February 7. The warm‑up games are scheduled between February 2 and February 6 across stadiums in India and Sri Lanka, featuring 16 matches involving teams from around the world.

Exciting moments from a T20 World Cup 2026 warm‑up game

Warm‑Up Venues

The warm‑up matches will be held across five key venues:

In India:

• Two grounds at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru

• DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

• M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

In Sri Lanka (Colombo):

• SSC Cricket Ground

• R. Premadasa Stadium

• Colombo Cricket Club Ground 

  
  

Warm‑Up Match Schedule & Timings (IST)

February 2

• Afghanistan vs Scotland – 3:00 p.m. – Bengaluru

• USA vs India ‘A’ – 5:00 p.m. – Navi Mumbai

• Canada vs Italy – 7:00 p.m. – Chennai

February 3

• Oman vs Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 1:00 p.m. – Colombo

• Netherlands vs Zimbabwe – 3:00 p.m. – Colombo

• Nepal vs UAE – 5:00 p.m. – Chennai

February 4

• Scotland vs Namibia – 1:00 p.m. – Bengaluru

• Afghanistan vs West Indies – 3:00 p.m. – Bengaluru

• Pakistan vs Ireland – 5:00 p.m. – Colombo

• India vs South Africa – 7:00 p.m. – Navi Mumbai

February 5

• Zimbabwe vs Oman – 11:00 a.m. – Colombo

• Nepal vs Canada – 1:00 p.m. – Chennai

• Australia vs Netherlands – 5:00 p.m. – Colombo

• New Zealand vs USA – 7:00 p.m. – Navi Mumbai

February 6

• Italy vs UAE – 3:00 p.m. – Chennai

• India ‘A’ vs Namibia – 5:00 p.m. – Bengaluru

  
  

Live Streaming and Broadcast Info

Fans around the world can follow the warm‑up action through a mix of live television and online streaming options.

• The India vs South Africa warm‑up on February 4 will be televised in India on sports networks and streamed online via popular digital platforms.

• Several other warm‑up fixtures, including Afghanistan vs Scotland, USA vs India ‘A’, Canada vs Italy, Nepal vs UAE, Afghanistan vs West Indies, Pakistan vs Ireland, Nepal vs Canada, New Zealand vs USA, and others will be available live through regional broadcasters and digital services.

• Highlights from all warm‑up matches will be available across digital channels dedicated to cricket coverage.

  
  

Why Warm‑Up Matches Matter

Warm‑up matches are more than just warm‑ups they give teams a chance to:

• Test combinations and strategies in match conditions.

• Give emerging players international exposure before high‑stakes World Cup games.

• Help players acclimatize to local pitches and conditions ahead of the main tournament.

• Offer fans early glimpses of players and teams in competitive settings.