ICC Men's T20 World Cup Warm-up Matches 2025/26

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup Warm-up Matches are official pre-tournament fixtures organized by the International Cricket Council. Introduced in 2007 in South Africa, these games serve as preparation for the main event. The matches are held immediately before the tournament begins, typically spanning four to five days.

Each participating team is scheduled to play two matches, though senior sides may play only one or opt out for bilateral series. The primary purpose is to allow teams to adjust to venue conditions and test combinations without the pressure of official results. Teams can use all fifteen players in their squad. Captains are not required to announce a fixed playing XI at the toss, allowing for fluid substitutions during the match.

Standard T20 laws apply, with twenty overs per side and ten wickets per innings. Fielding restrictions and bowling limits are often relaxed or agreed upon by captains. The matches involve both Full Member nations and Associate members, sometimes including 'A' teams to provide competitive practice.

These fixtures do not carry official T20I status. They are not counted in the official ICC rankings or the tournament's points table. Player statistics from these matches are not recorded in official records. However, they are distinct from informal friendlies as they are scheduled by the ICC at host venues. The format has remained consistent since its inception, with a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic.

In the current season, the warm-up matches feature Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Namibia, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka A. These teams use the window to fine-tune tactics before the main competition starts. The structure ensures participants gain valuable experience on the pitch under controlled conditions.