India’s men’s cricket team faces an intense and carefully structured 2026 calendar, combining home series, overseas tours, and a major ICC tournament. The year demands sustained performance across formats, with minimal recovery windows between assignments. Here is the list-
January 2026: Home white-ball series vs New Zealand
India open their 2026 international season with a full white-ball series against New Zealand.
ODI series: January 18, 21 and 24
T20I series: January 28, 30, February 1, 3 and 5
This eight-match series serves as India’s final preparation before the global T20 event, allowing selectors to assess combinations and form in match conditions.
February–March 2026: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Tournament dates: February 7 – March 8
India co-hosts the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup alongside Sri Lanka. Playing at home brings both advantage and pressure, with expectations firmly on India to defend the title.
March–May 2026: IPL Window
IPL 2026: March 26 – May 31
ALSO READ । One final push: England make key changes for the last Ashes Test in Sydney
The Indian Premier League dominates the cricketing landscape during this period. International fixtures pause, while player workload and form during the IPL are expected to heavily influence selections for upcoming tours.
June 2026: Afghanistan tour of India
Dates: Early June (exact dates to be confirmed)
India hosts Afghanistan for a short series featuring a Test match and limited-overs fixtures. This assignment also contributes to the broader World Test Championship and ODI planning cycles.
July 2026: Tour of England
T20Is and ODIs: July (mid to late month)
India tour England for a white-ball series featuring five T20 Internationals followed by three ODIs. English conditions and packed venues make this one of the toughest overseas challenges of the year.
August 2026: Tour of Sri Lanka (Tests)
Test series: August
ALSO READ । BBL 2025–26 standings update: stars shine, records tumble, and the top-four race heats up
India travels to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series, a crucial leg of the World Test Championship. Results here could significantly influence India’s position in the WTC standings.
September–October 2026: Asia-focused assignments
Bangladesh tour of India: September (3 ODIs, 3 T20Is)
Asian Games (T20 format): September 19 – October 4
Afghanistan T20Is: Late September
November–December 2026: Home and overseas conclusion
West Indies tour of India: November (3 ODIs, 5 T20Is)
Tour of New Zealand: December (formats to be confirmed)
ALSO READ । SA20: THIS Rajasthan Royals all-rounder powers Joburg Super Kings to dramatic Super Over win
After a heavy cricket year, India will have to be ready for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
