The much-anticipated warm-up phase for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off today, February 2, marking the beginning of an exciting five-day cricket extravaganza across India and Sri Lanka. These preparatory matches, scheduled to continue until February 6, serve as a vital platform for participating teams to fine-tune their strategies, acclimatize to local conditions, and finalize their playing combinations ahead of the main tournament.
Strategic Importance of Warm-Up Games
These warm-up matches form a crucial part of the build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, offering teams a valuable opportunity to test their squads in match conditions without the pressure of competitive results. The outcomes of these games will not affect tournament standings, allowing teams to experiment freely. Teams are permitted to utilize all fifteen squad members during these matches, and there is no requirement to name a final playing eleven at the toss, providing maximum flexibility.
India's Calculated Warm-Up Approach
India has adopted a carefully planned approach for their warm-up preparations. The senior national team will participate in only one official warm-up match, a high-profile encounter against South Africa scheduled for February 4 in Navi Mumbai. This decision is strategically designed to manage player workload effectively and prevent fatigue before the tournament proper begins.
In contrast, the India A squad will be more active, playing two warm-up matches. This provides the national selectors with an excellent opportunity to assess reserve players and emerging talents. Key players under observation include dynamic batters like Tilak Varma, Riyan Parag, and Ayush Badoni, who will be eager to showcase their skills and push for future senior team selection.
Comprehensive Match Schedule and Venues
The warm-up schedule is packed with exciting fixtures across multiple cities. In India, matches will be hosted in Bengaluru, Navi Mumbai, and Chennai, while Sri Lanka will host games in Colombo. The action begins today with three simultaneous matches:
- Afghanistan versus Scotland in Bengaluru at 3:00 PM
- India A taking on the United States in Navi Mumbai at 5:00 PM
- Canada facing Italy in Chennai at 7:00 PM
Subsequent Days' Fixtures
On February 3, the schedule includes Sri Lanka A against Oman in Colombo at 1:00 PM, followed by Netherlands versus Zimbabwe at 3:00 PM, and Nepal facing the United Arab Emirates in Chennai at 5:00 PM.
February 4 features Namibia playing Scotland at 1:00 PM in Bengaluru, Afghanistan meeting the West Indies at 3:00 PM, Ireland facing Pakistan at 5:00 PM in Colombo, and the highlight match of India versus South Africa at 7:00 PM in Navi Mumbai.
The penultimate day, February 5, includes Oman versus Zimbabwe at 1:00 PM, Canada against Nepal at 3:00 PM in Chennai, Australia taking on the Netherlands at 5:00 PM in Colombo, and New Zealand facing the United States at 7:00 PM in Navi Mumbai.
The warm-up phase concludes on February 6 with Italy versus the United Arab Emirates at 3:00 PM in Chennai and India A playing Namibia at 5:00 PM in Bengaluru.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
Cricket enthusiasts can catch all the action live on the Star Sports Network, which holds the telecast rights for these warm-up matches. For viewers preferring digital platforms, India's matches are expected to be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website, ensuring comprehensive coverage for fans across the country.
Squad Announcements and Tournament Groupings
The India A squad for the warm-up matches features a mix of promising youngsters and experienced domestic performers. The team will be led by Ayush Badoni and includes notable names such as Naman Dhir, Ashutosh Sharma, Priyansh Arya, wicketkeeper N Jagadeesan, Tilak Varma, Riyan Parag, and bowlers like Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mayank Yadav.
The senior India squad, placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States, is captained by Suryakumar Yadav. The squad boasts a powerful lineup including Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, and premier bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Group B presents another competitive pool featuring Australia under Mitchell Marsh, Sri Lanka led by Dasun Shanaka, Zimbabwe captained by Sikandar Raza, Ireland with Paul Stirling at the helm, and Oman under Jatinder Singh's leadership.
These warm-up matches not only provide essential preparation for the teams but also offer cricket fans an exciting preview of the talent and strategies that will define the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 tournament.
