As the 2026 T20 World Cup edges closer, Full Member teams are finalising their preparation plans, with India facing the heaviest schedule ahead of the tournament.
The defending champions are set for a packed run-in, hosting ten T20Is at home across December and January. India will face South Africa in five matches in December, followed by another five against New Zealand in January, giving their players extensive match practice before the World Cup begins.
Other teams have a lighter workload. Australia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe will not play any T20Is prior to the tournament, opting instead for rest and training camps. Meanwhile, England have scheduled three away T20Is against Sri Lanka in January-February 2026, while New Zealand face five away T20Is against India in January.
South Africa and Sri Lanka both have mixed schedules. South Africa play five away T20Is against India in December and three home matches against the West Indies in January-February, while Sri Lanka host Pakistan and England for three T20Is each in January and February. Pakistan and West Indies also have three T20Is each in the lead-up, ensuring some match readiness before the global showpiece.
The varied schedules highlight the contrast in preparation strategies across nations, with India aiming to maximise competitive match practice, while others, including past champions Australia, are relying on training camps and internal preparations ahead of the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
