India cricket schedule 2026: T20 World Cup, Asian Games, England and New Zealand tours

After wrapping up their 2025 campaign with a T20I series win over South Africa in December, the Indian men’s cricket team will return to action in January 2026, embarking on one of their most demanding years in recent times.

January: New Zealand Challenge at Home 

India will begin 2026 with a home series against New Zealand, starting with a three-match ODI series from January 11 to 18. Shortly after, the two teams will contest a five-match T20I series, played over just 10 days, setting the tone for a busy season.

February–March: ICC T20 World Cup 2026

February will be the defining phase of India’s year as they enter the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as defending champions. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament begins on February 7.

India’s group-stage fixtures include clashes against the USA (Feb 7), Namibia, arch-rivals Pakistan (Feb 15), and the Netherlands (Feb 18). A deep run could see India in action until the final on March 8.

June: Afghanistan Series

Following the IPL window, India are expected to regroup in June for a limited assignment against Afghanistan, comprising one Test match and three ODIs. Official dates are yet to be confirmed.

July: White-Ball Tour of England

India will tour England in July for an extensive white-ball series, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs between July 1 and July 19 — a crucial test in English conditions.

August: Test Series in Sri Lanka

August will see India travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series. While dates are awaited, the tour will add vital red-ball exposure ahead of the year-end assignments.

September–October: Asian Games & Multiple Series 

India’s schedule intensifies with white-ball series against Afghanistan (three T20Is) and the West Indies (three ODIs and five T20Is).

September will also mark India’s participation in the Asian Games 2026, to be held in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, where cricket will be played in the T20 format from September 19 to October 4.

October–November: Full Tour of New Zealand

A demanding overseas tour awaits India later in the year, with two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is scheduled in New Zealand from late October through November.

December: Home Finale Against Sri Lanka

India will conclude their 2026 campaign at home, hosting Sri Lanka for a white-ball series featuring three ODIs and three T20Is.