South Africa’s upcoming five-match T20I series against the West Indies could be shortened to ensure both teams arrive in time for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The Scheduling Conflict
The series, originally scheduled from January 27 to February 6, may face adjustments as the 2026 T20 World Cup is expected to begin between February 7 and March 8. According to reports, the ICC’s support period for teams arriving in the host countries and participating in optional warm-up games is likely to start on January 31, if the tournament kicks off on February 7.
Why the Change?
To allow enough time for travel and preparation, Cricket South Africa (CSA) may need to reduce the length of the T20I series against the West Indies. Teams are not obligated to spend the entire support period in the host country, and the ICC has given participating nations the option to choose the number of warm-up matches they wish to play—ranging from none to two.
The ICC Support Period and Warm-Up Options
The length of the ICC support period depends on how many warm-up games a team decides to play. If a team chooses two warm-up matches, the support period begins one week before the tournament’s opening match. However, if a team opts for no warm-up matches, the support period will begin just four days prior to the first match, which would be February 3, assuming the tournament starts on February 8, 2026.
Impact on the T20I Series
Even if the West Indies opt not to play warm-up matches, CSA will need to cut at least two of the five T20Is. The last two games are scheduled for February 3 and 6, and with the World Cup preparations looming, these matches may need to be rescheduled or canceled to allow enough time for travel and warm-up arrangements.
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