T20 World Cup 2026 Warm Up Matches: Fixtures & Schedule

The World Cup begins on February 7, 2026, but the real mind games start earlier. Warm-up matches feel like a “shadow tournament” where teams show you just enough… and hide the rest. You’ll see strange scorecards, batters retiring in the 8th over after a quick 30, bowlers finishing with 2 overs, and fans online screaming, “Why are they not trying?”

Relax. These games aren’t about bragging rights. They’re about survival. Who’s fit? Who’s in form? Which combination actually works in Indian and Sri Lankan conditions? That’s what the T20 World Cup 2026 Warm Up Matches are really for.

Why T20 World Cup 2026 Warm Up Matches matter to fans

Let’s be upfront before we get excited. The official warm-up schedule has not been released by the ICC as of January 2026. So if you’re seeing a “confirmed” warm up fixtures list with exact opponents and timings, treat it like fan-fiction with a nice headline.

Now, the useful bit. Even without an official table, we can still map how this works every ICC tournament cycle, and what the practice match schedule usually looks like. Warm-ups sit in a tight window, generally 5 to 7 days before the opener, and most teams get 1 to 2 team preparation games. That gives squads just enough match rhythm without risking injuries in meaningless intensity.

I’m going to walk you through the projected warm-up window, likely practice match venues, the “15-player rule” that confuses everyone, and the big questions fans keep asking. Will these games be on JioHotstar? Are tickets available? Do fantasy points count? Why do batters retire? And yes, I’ll also explain why you should not panic if your team loses a warm-up by 40 runs.

If you follow cricket like a normal human, not a spreadsheet, this guide will keep you calm and informed.

Predicted warm-up window and key dates for 2026

The projected dates, based on the Feb 7 tournament start

With the main tournament beginning February 7, 2026, the most realistic warm-up window lands between February 1 and February 5, 2026. That’s the standard pre-tournament rhythm. Teams arrive, run camps, play a match or two, then shift into full tournament mode.

Here’s a practical way to think about it:

• Feb 1 to Feb 2: early arrivals, first warm-ups for teams landing sooner

• Feb 3 to Feb 4: bulk of warm-ups, most teams want their “best XI trial” here

• Feb 5: final tune-ups, often lighter intensity, more injury-avoidance

So if you’re planning travel or just planning your viewing, treat Feb 1 to Feb 5 as the “watch this space” window.

How many warm-ups each team usually plays

Most teams will play 1 or 2 pre tournament matches. Two is ideal. One is sometimes all you get if logistics get tight.

Coaches like two because it lets them split objectives:

1. Match 1: try combinations, rotate roles, test fringe players

2. Match 2: simulate your strongest XI and sharpen bowling plans

That also explains why warm-up results can look odd. A team can “lose” while still ticking every internal box.

A simple projected schedule template (not fixtures)

This table is a template, not a confirmed warm up fixtures list. It’s the shape you should expect.

Practice match venues and why warm-ups avoid the main grounds

Pitch preservation is the hidden reason

Fans always ask, “Why aren’t warm-ups at Wankhede or Eden Gardens?” Because curators protect the main squares like they’re guarding crown jewels. A World Cup needs fresh pitches for the main event, not tired surfaces chewed up by extra games.

Warm-ups often move to secondary grounds so the premium venues stay pristine. That’s not a downgrade. It’s smart tournament management.

Likely warm-up venues in India

Nothing is confirmed yet, but historically the shortlist looks like:

• Brabourne Stadium (CCI), Mumbai for match readiness near Wankhede

• Secondary Kolkata grounds that allow practice without burning Eden Gardens

• Training hubs like Alur (near Bengaluru) if teams base camps there

These venues suit warm-ups because they’re easier to manage and less pressure-packed. Also, teams don’t want 40,000 people watching their “secret plans.”

Likely warm-up venues in Sri Lanka

If teams base in Sri Lanka for camps or matches, Colombo has several practical options:

• P. Sara Oval

• NCC Ground

• Colts Ground

These are proper cricket venues with controlled access, which matters for security, training blocks, and keeping strategies private.

What the warm up fixtures list will look like once it drops

Don’t expect big rivalry matchups

People always ask, “Will India play Pakistan in a warm-up?” Almost never. The ICC usually avoids blockbuster rivalries in warm-ups. They protect the hype for the main tournament and avoid unnecessary security chaos.

Warm-ups tend to pair teams from different groups, or teams that don’t face each other immediately. The goal is preparation, not theatre.

How opponents are typically chosen

Warm-ups usually follow three practical rules:

1. Geography and logistics: teams in the same base city play each other

2. Condition matching: teams want similar bowling styles to practice against

3. Broadcast value: big teams often get at least one televised warm-up

That’s why you’ll often see a top side play one strong opponent and one mid-level opponent. They want one “pressure simulation” and one “role trial.”

Expected warm up match timings

Exact warm up match timings won’t be confirmed until the ICC publishes the list. Still, time slots usually follow local broadcast convenience:

• Afternoon slot around 2:00 PM local

• Evening slot around 7:00 PM local

Warm-ups also tend to run like normal T20s. Roughly 3 hours to 3 hours 20 minutes depending on stoppages and substitutions.

The 15-player rule and why warm-ups feel weird

These matches are not official T20Is

Warm-up games generally do not carry T20I status. That’s why records don’t count the same way, and that’s why teams experiment without fear of ruining a player’s official numbers.

So if someone says, “He scored 70 in a warm-up, he’s locked,” I smile. It helps, but it’s not the final word.

Why 13 people bat and bowlers stop after 2 overs

Warm-ups often allow teams to use all 15 squad members in some form. You’ll see:

• Batters “retire out” after a quick innings so others can get time

• Bowlers limited to 2 overs to manage workload

• Fielding rotations that look chaotic

This is why fans get confused. They expect a proper match. Teams treat it like a structured rehearsal.

The one rule fans should remember

Here’s the simplest explanation:

• Warm-up matches exist to give maximum match practice to the squad

• Winning is nice, but readiness is the real target

If your team loses but your death bowler nails yorkers and your No. 6 finally finds timing, that’s a good warm-up.

What teams actually test in pre tournament matches

Finalising the top-order roles

Most teams use warm-ups to answer one basic question. Who opens, and who plays the first 6 overs best?

You’ll see experiments like:

• A left-right opening pair to mess with matchups

• A “floating” No. 3 who comes in based on spin or pace

• A powerplay hitter told to attack even if it risks failure

Warm-ups reveal intent. If a batter plays safe in a warm-up when told to attack, coaches notice.

Middle-overs plans against spin

In India and Sri Lanka, the middle overs decide everything. Teams often use warm-ups to test:

• Which batters rotate strike best against spin

• Who sweeps reliably

• Who can hit straight when the ball grips

It’s not glamorous, but it wins tournaments. A team that plays spin poorly will look fine at 30 for 0, then suddenly be 72 for 4.

Death overs and field placements

This is the part I watch closely. Warm-ups expose who bowls the 18th and 20th overs.

Teams test:

• Wide yorkers vs full and straight

• Slower balls into the pitch

• Boundary riders and catching under lights

Key tactical points:

• Deep third and deep point protect the ramp and slice

• Long-on and deep midwicket protect the slog

• A straight-ish long-off tempts the mis-hit down the ground

India’s warm-up approach and the selection questions everyone will track

The “backup opener” and the first 10 overs problem

India usually enter tournaments with a strong first-choice top order, but warm-ups answer the uncomfortable questions:

• Who opens if there’s a niggle on match day?

• Who keeps the scoring rate high without reckless shots?

In warm-ups, watch who gets sent up the order early. That’s a signal, not a random move.

The third spinner debate in Indian conditions

In subcontinent World Cups, teams often want more spin options than they end up using in a neutral tournament. Warm-ups help decide:

• Do we play a third spinner, or trust a part-timer?

• Do we want a wicket-taking option or a “control” option?

You’ll also see bowlers tried in unusual phases, like a spinner in the powerplay, just to see if it sticks.

Likely warm-up opponents in principle, not by name

I won’t invent opponents. But logically, teams prefer warm-up opponents who help answer their biggest questions:

• Strong pace attacks if you want powerplay testing

• Strong spin attacks if you want middle-overs rehearsal

• A mixed opponent if you want a full simulation

So expect India to seek at least one warm-up that feels like a real contest, not a friendly net session.

Broadcasting, streaming, and tickets for warm-up matches

Where to watch, and what won’t be shown

Warm-ups don’t get equal broadcast treatment. Big teams usually get coverage, smaller matchups often don’t.

In India, the expectation is:

• JioHotstar for streaming coverage of major warm-ups

• Star Sports for TV coverage of select games

But don’t assume every warm-up will be televised. Many will be live-scored only, especially if they involve smaller teams.

Subscription confusion and what to check

Fans ask, “Will my subscription cover warm-ups?” Usually yes, if the broadcaster chooses to show them. The issue is not paywall, it’s availability.

Before you commit money for “just warm-ups,” check:

• Is the match listed on the platform schedule?

• Does it say “Live” or only “Scores”?

Warm-ups can also disappear from broadcast plans if production crews prioritise main venues and official matches.

Tickets Price and entry rules, in plain terms

Warm-up tickets vary wildly:

• Some warm-ups are closed-door

• Some are free entry at the gate

• Some have limited ticketing through local associations

A practical tip for fans: keep an eye on local association announcements in the host cities. Warm-ups don’t always go through mainstream ticketing portals.

Unique angle: the fantasy trap and the “fake intensity” reality

Fantasy players, don’t build your team on warm-ups

Warm-ups can mislead even smart fans. Here’s why:

• A batter can score 45 off 22 and retire out

• A bowler can take 2 wickets and stop after 2 overs

• A star can “rest” and play at 60 percent intensity

So yes, fantasy apps may offer contests, but the usual logic breaks. These games are for preparation, not optimisation.

If you still play fantasy in warm-ups, play it like a warm-up:

• Choose players likely to get time in the middle

• Avoid assuming full 4-over spells

• Avoid assuming openers will bat long

Why big teams rarely go full throttle

Top teams treat warm-ups like controlled risk. They don’t want soft tissue injuries two days before a World Cup opener. You’ll see them:

• Pull bowlers out early if they feel tight

• Reduce diving and sliding in the field

• Bat with intent but avoid reckless body language

It can look lazy. It’s actually cautious professionalism.

Why associate teams go 100 percent

Associate teams often treat warm-ups like auditions. They want to prove they belong. They’ll run harder, throw harder, and celebrate louder. That mismatch creates strange scorelines and strange narratives. Fans should read those games carefully.

A warm-up upset doesn’t always predict a tournament upset. Sometimes it just shows who cared more in a rehearsal.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches start?

Most likely between Feb 1 and Feb 5, 2026, about a week before the Feb 7 opener. The ICC will confirm exact dates and fixtures.

Are warm-up matches official T20Is?

No. They usually do not have T20I status, so official stats and records don’t count.

Can I play fantasy cricket for warm-up matches?

Some apps may host contests, but be careful. Teams can use up to 15 players, so XIs and roles stay unpredictable.

Where can I buy tickets for warm-up matches?

Often there’s no online sale. Entry can be free, limited, or closed-door depending on the venue and local organisers.

Will India’s warm-up matches be on TV or streaming?

India’s warm-ups are the most likely to be shown, typically on Star Sports and JioHotstar, but not every warm-up will be televised.

Why do batters retire out in warm-up games?

To give more players match time. A batter may retire after a quick innings so the middle order can also face real deliveries.

Will warm-ups be played in Sri Lanka too?

Very likely yes, especially for teams basing camps there. Colombo has multiple secondary grounds that suit warm-ups.

Conclusion

Warm-ups are cricket’s most misunderstood games. Fans want certainty, but warm-ups exist to create it for teams. The T20 World Cup 2026 Warm Up Matches will almost certainly land in the Feb 1 to Feb 5 window, and they’ll look messy on paper because teams use them like rehearsals, not finals.

So if your team loses a warm-up, don’t panic. Ask better questions. Did the openers find rhythm? Did the death bowlers land their lengths? Did the spinners control the middle overs? Those answers matter more than the result.

My prediction is simple. The teams that treat warm-ups intelligently, not emotionally, will start the tournament sharper. And in T20, sharpness in the first two games is half the battle.