With the 2026 T20 World Cup now only six months away, final warm-up plans are falling into place. India, reigning champions, will squeeze in ten home T20Is across December and January, the busiest schedule of any Full Member. At the other end of the spectrum, Australia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe will head straight to the tournament without a single international in the format.
Below is the confirmed run-in for every Full Member side, listed in order of match load.
India
• Five T20Is v South Africa, home, December 2025
• Five T20Is v New Zealand, home, January 2026
South Africa
• Five T20Is v India, away, December 2025
• Three T20Is v West Indies, home, Jan-Feb 2026
England
• Three T20Is v Sri Lanka, away, Jan-Feb 2026
Pakistan
• Three T20Is v Sri Lanka, away, January 2026
Sri Lanka
• Three T20Is v Pakistan, home, January 2026
• Three T20Is v England, home, Jan-Feb 2026
West Indies
• Three T20Is v South Africa, home, Jan-Feb 2026
New Zealand
• Five T20Is v India, away, January 2026
Afghanistan
No T20Is scheduled before the World Cup
Australia
No T20Is scheduled before the World Cup
Bangladesh
No T20Is scheduled before the World Cup
Ireland
No T20Is scheduled before the World Cup
Zimbabwe
No T20Is scheduled before the World Cup
A heavier fixture list does not guarantee success, yet coaches value match-sharpness. India’s staff view the double home series as a chance to fine-tune combinations and assess fitness under pressure. Conversely, Cricket Australia has opted for rest after a crowded domestic calendar, backing players to arrive fresh. As the countdown shortens, the contrasting philosophies will soon be put to the test.
