How many matches will each team play before T20 World Cup?

KARACHI: The preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have reached their final stage, with full-member teams concluding their pre-tournament commitments. The mega event will take place from 7 February to 8 March in India and Sri Lanka.

With the schedule tightening, no full-member nation is expected to play any additional bilateral series before the tournament begins.

Pakistan will play six T20Is ahead of the World Cup — three against Sri Lanka in January and three at home against Australia.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland and Zimbabwe will go into the tournament without playing any pre-World Cup matches. Australia, however, will play three T20Is against Pakistan, while England will feature in a three-match series in Sri Lanka in January.

India will be the busiest team, playing 10 T20Is in December and January, including a five-match home series against New Zealand. South Africa are currently touring India, and West Indies will tour South Africa for a three-match T20I series.

In total match exposure before the World Cup:

India: 10 matches

South Africa: 8 matches

Pakistan: 6 matches

Sri Lanka (hosts): 6 matches

New Zealand: 5 matches

Australia, England, West Indies: 3 matches each

With final preparations underway, teams are now gearing up for the global showdown beginning in early February.