The Indian cricket team will take part in only one warm-up game leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, slated to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 1 to June 29.

This decision, a break from the usual two warm-up fixtures, has sparked speculation regarding the motive behind the change.

According to a report published in Cricbuzz, the BCCI has insisted on holding the solitary warm-up encounter in New York, where the team will be stationed.

Despite proposals from the ICC and Cricket West Indies to play a warm-up game in Florida, Indian players, fatigued from extensive travel and the daunting IPL 2024 season, have expressed reluctance to embark on additional journeys.

The importance of India's warm-up matches is highlighted by their high commercial value and the broadcasters often capitalize on it by telecasting the games.

While the ICC is due to announce the warm-up schedule in coming days, most other teams, barring Pakistan and England, are slated to play two warm-up encounters each.

With the main event starting on June 1, the warm-up games are likely to be scheduled for May 25-26.

The Indian team's departure to New York, initially planned for May 21 post the IPL league stage, has been adjusted to occur in two batches on May 25 and 26. Players featuring in the IPL final on May 26 will depart on a later date.

India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign is due to get underway on June 5 against Ireland. The Men in Blue will then face arch-rivals Pakistan and United States on June 9 and June 12, respectively. All three games will be held in New York.

The culmination of the league stage against Canada will occur in Florida on June 15, following which the Rohit Sharma-led side will travel to the West Indies for the Super Eight phase.

(With Cricbuzz Inputs)