India vs South Africa Warm Up Match Tickets : The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches schedule was officially announced on Monday, 26 January 2026, giving fans a clear picture of how teams will fine-tune their preparations before the main tournament begins.
The warm-up matches will be played from 2 February to 6 February 2026, just days before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off on 7 February. These fixtures serve as the final opportunity for teams to adapt to local conditions, experiment with combinations, and settle on their strongest playing XI.
India’s preparations stand out this year, as the main Indian team will play only one warm-up match, while India A will feature in additional fixtures.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches |
| Dates | 2 – 6 February 2026 |
| Total Matches | 16 |
| Host Countries | India & Sri Lanka |
| India Main Team Match | vs South Africa (4 Feb 2026) |
| India A Matches | vs USA, vs Namibia |
| Tournament Starts | 7 February 2026 |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
What Are ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Warm-Up Matches?
The T20 World Cup warm-up matches are officially sanctioned practice games played ahead of the main tournament. While they may look like regular international matches, they are non-competitive in nature.
Key features of warm-up matches include:
- Results do not affect the points table or ICC rankings
- Teams can use all 15 squad members during the match
- No fixed playing XI is announced after the toss
- Unlimited substitutions are allowed
These games are primarily used to:
- Understand pitch and weather conditions
- Test team combinations
- Give game time to fringe and reserve players
For associate nations like USA, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Nepal, warm-up matches offer invaluable exposure against top international sides.
Ticket price
| Match Type | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| India vs South Africa | From ₹150 |
| India A Matches | ₹150 – ₹250 |
| Other Warm-Up Matches | Free / Low-cost |
Ticket site
visit the official website.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches – Full Schedule
Below is the complete warm-up fixtures list, including match timings (IST) and venues:
| Date | Time (IST) | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02 Feb 2026 | 03:00 PM | Afghanistan vs Scotland | BCCI Centre of Excellence 1, Bengaluru |
| 02 Feb 2026 | 05:00 PM | USA vs India A | DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
| 02 Feb 2026 | 07:00 PM | Canada vs Italy | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| 03 Feb 2026 | 01:00 PM | Oman vs Sri Lanka A | Colombo Cricket Club Ground |
| 03 Feb 2026 | 03:00 PM | Netherlands vs Zimbabwe | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 03 Feb 2026 | 05:00 PM | Nepal vs UAE | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| 04 Feb 2026 | 01:00 PM | Scotland vs Namibia | BCCI Centre of Excellence 2, Bengaluru |
| 04 Feb 2026 | 03:00 PM | Afghanistan vs West Indies | BCCI Centre of Excellence 1, Bengaluru |
| 04 Feb 2026 | 05:00 PM | Pakistan vs Ireland | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
| 04 Feb 2026 | 07:00 PM | India vs South Africa | DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
| 05 Feb 2026 | 11:00 AM | Zimbabwe vs Oman | Colombo Cricket Club Ground |
| 05 Feb 2026 | 01:00 PM | Nepal vs Canada | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| 05 Feb 2026 | 05:00 PM | Australia vs Netherlands | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 05 Feb 2026 | 07:00 PM | New Zealand vs USA | DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
| 06 Feb 2026 | 03:00 PM | Italy vs UAE | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| 06 Feb 2026 | 05:00 PM | Namibia vs India A | BCCI Centre of Excellence 1, Bengaluru |
Indian Team Warm-Up Matches – India & India A Fixtures
India will split its preparation between two squads:
India (Main Team)
- India vs South Africa
- Date: 4 February 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
India A Matches
- India A vs USA – 2 February 2026
- India A vs Namibia – 6 February 2026
This strategy allows India to manage player workload while still ensuring enough match practice before the tournament.
Why Is India Playing Only One Warm-Up Match?
The decision to schedule just one warm-up game for India’s main squad has surprised some fans. However, the approach is deliberate.
Key reasons include:
- Most senior players are already match-fit
- Workload management ahead of a long tournament
- India A matches provide extended preparation depth
- Tactical secrecy before the main event
This balance ensures India enters the tournament fresh while still testing combinations through the A squad.
Where to Watch India vs South Africa Warm-Up Match?
The India vs South Africa warm-up match will be:
- Venue: DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Broadcast details for other warm-up matches may vary depending on regional coverage.
Warm-Up Match Venues – Pitch & Conditions Overview
The warm-up matches are spread across India and Sri Lanka, offering diverse playing conditions:
- Bengaluru (BCCI Centre of Excellence): Balanced pitches with true bounce
- Chennai (MA Chidambaram Stadium): Spin-friendly surface for middle-overs testing
- Navi Mumbai (DY Patil Stadium): Batting-friendly pitch with fast outfield
- Colombo (R Premadasa & SSC): Slower tracks with humidity challenges
These conditions closely mirror what teams will face during the main tournament.
Can Fans Attend T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Matches?
Yes, most warm-up matches are open to spectators.
- Several matches may have free or low-cost entry
- High-profile fixtures like India vs South Africa will be ticketed
- Tickets will be sold via official online platforms and stadium counters
- Fans are advised to book early for popular games
India vs South Africa Warm-Up Match Tickets – Price & Booking
Ticket Details:
- Starting Price: ₹150
- Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Booking Platform: BookMyShow (official ticket partner)
- Entry Time: Gates open before match start
- Kick-off: 7:00 PM IST
How to Book Tickets:
- Visit BookMyShow or the ICC Ticket Portal
- Search for India vs South Africa Warm-Up Match
- Select seats and complete payment
- Access the QR code from “Your Orders” for stadium entry
FAQs
When are the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches played?
The warm-up matches will be held from 2 February to 6 February 2026.
Are warm-up match results counted in the tournament?
No. Warm-up matches are practice games only and do not affect points or rankings.
How many warm-up matches will India play?
India’s main team will play one match, while India A will play two matches.
Where can I watch India’s warm-up match live?
The India vs South Africa warm-up match will be streamed on JioHotstar.
What is the ticket price for warm-up matches?
Ticket prices start from ₹150 for major matches; some games may offer free entry.
Can all squad players play in warm-up matches?
Yes. All 15 squad players are allowed to participate in warm-up matches.
