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South Africa may shorten their five-match T20I series against the West Indies to ensure both teams arrive in India and Sri Lanka on time for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
South Africa and West Indies to face off in a T20I series (AP/PTI)
South Africa’s cricket schedule may force them to shorten their five-match T20I series against the West Indies this summer. Both teams need to arrive in India and Sri Lanka on time for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
South Africa is set to host the West Indies for five T20Is from January 27 to February 6; however, according to ESPNcricinfo, the T20 World Cup is likely to take place between February 7 and March 8. If the tournament begins on February 7, the ICC’s support period for the 2026 T20 World Cup, during which teams can arrive in the host countries and play optional warm-up games, is expected to start on January 31.
Why SA Vs WI T20I Series Change?
Given this change, Cricket South Africa (CSA) might need to adjust their plans, particularly their home series against the West Indies, to ensure the Proteas have sufficient time to travel to the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. It is not mandatory for teams to spend the entire ICC support period in the host venue; the ICC has asked participating countries to list how many warm-up matches they want to play, with options ranging from zero to two.
The ICC’s support period for the 2026 T20 World Cup varies depending on the number of warm-up matches teams choose to play. If a team opts for two warm-up matches, the support period begins one week prior to the tournament’s opening match. However, if teams decide not to play any warm-up matches, the support period starts four days before the first match, which would be February 3, considering the tournament begins on February 8, 2026, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Even if the West Indies decide not to play any T20 World Cup warm-up matches, CSA will still have to cut at least two of the five T20Is; the last two games are scheduled for February 3 and 6.
(With inputs from ANI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
September 24, 2025, 23:08 IST
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