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India’s Mega Cricket Calendar 2026-27: England Tour, Possible Ireland & Sri Lanka T20Is, Asian Games and NZ Series Ahead
Summary: Fresh from their World Cup triumph under Suryakumar Yadav, Team India is preparing for one of the busiest cricket calendars in modern history. Over the next 12 months, India could play across England, Ireland, Sri Lanka, UAE, Bangladesh, Japan, Zimbabwe and New Zealand, alongside several home series. The packed schedule could see multiple Indian squads playing simultaneously as the team balances bilateral cricket, global tournaments and preparation for the next Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India Set for One of the Busiest Cricket Seasons in Modern Era
Indian cricket is heading into an extraordinary stretch of international action as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares a packed schedule spanning multiple continents.
The next year could see India travel extensively while hosting several visiting teams at home. The calendar includes confirmed tours and a few additional series that are currently under discussion with other cricket boards.
Following their recent global success under captain Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team is expected to face a challenging workload that could require squad rotation and strategic planning.
England Tour to Kick Off Overseas Campaign
India’s international season abroad will likely begin with a white-ball tour of England in July 2026.
The tour is scheduled to feature:
- 3 One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
- 5 T20 Internationals
Matches are expected to take place between July 1 and July 19, marking one of the most anticipated white-ball contests of the year.
Possible Ireland T20I Series Before England Tour
Before heading to England, India may stop in Dublin to play a short three-match T20I series against the Ireland national cricket team.
Discussions between the BCCI and Cricket Ireland are ongoing, and officials from both boards are optimistic about finalising the series.
India has previously helped boost cricket in Ireland with similar tours in 2018, 2022 and 2023, making another short series a strong possibility.
If confirmed, the matches could take place in late June, just before the England tour.
Sri Lanka Proposes Charity T20Is for Flood Relief
India is already scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for two Test matches as part of the ICC Future Tours Programme.
However, Sri Lanka Cricket has requested the BCCI to add three T20 Internationals ahead of the Test series.
The matches are proposed as a fundraising initiative for flood relief efforts after Cyclone Ditwah caused major devastation across Sri Lanka in late 2025.
If approved, the charity matches could take place during July–August 2026.
Busy September: Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Asian Games
September could become one of the most demanding months in India’s cricket calendar.
India is already scheduled to face the Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series in the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, India also has a planned white-ball tour of Bangladesh, which includes:
- 3 ODIs
- 3 T20Is
However, the Bangladesh tour will require clearance from the Government of India due to recent diplomatic sensitivities.
Possible Zimbabwe Tour Also Being Discussed
Another potential addition to the schedule is a short tour of Zimbabwe.
Officials are considering a three-match T20I series, although discussions are still at an early stage and confirmation is awaited.
India to Defend Asian Games Gold in Japan
The busy international schedule coincides with the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled in Nagoya, Japan.
Cricket at the Games will be played in the T20 format, and India will enter the competition as the defending gold medallists.
The men’s tournament will run between September 25 and October 3.
This timing raises the possibility that two Indian squads could be in action simultaneously - one at the Asian Games and another playing bilateral series elsewhere.
West Indies Tour of India
Around the same period, the West Indies is scheduled to tour India for a white-ball series consisting of:
- 3 ODIs
- 5 T20Is
The tour is expected to run into October 2026.
Massive New Zealand Tour in Late 2026
India will then travel to New Zealand for a long multi-format series.
The tour will include:
- 5 ODIs
- 5 T20Is
- 2 Test matches
Interestingly, the ODI series was recently expanded from three matches to five following discussions between the BCCI and New Zealand Cricket.
India is expected to arrive in New Zealand around October 18, with the first match scheduled for October 22.
Home Series Before Border-Gavaskar Trophy
After returning home in December 2026, India is expected to host the Sri Lanka for:
- 3 ODIs
- 3 T20Is
The season will then lead directly into the iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in January–February 2027.
IPL 2027 to Follow
Following the Test series, attention will shift to the 20th season of the Indian Premier League, expected to run from March to May 2027.
India’s Expected Cricket Calendar (2026-27)
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| June 2026 | Afghanistan tour of India |
| Late June 2026 | Possible Ireland T20I series |
| July 2026 | England white-ball tour |
| July – Aug 2026 | Sri Lanka Tests + possible T20Is |
| September 2026 | Afghanistan T20Is in UAE |
| September 2026 | Bangladesh tour (subject to approval) |
| Sep – Oct 2026 | Asian Games cricket tournament |
| October 2026 | West Indies tour of India |
| Oct – Nov 2026 | New Zealand tour |
| December 2026 | Sri Lanka tour of India |
| Jan – Feb 2027 | Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
| Mar – May 2027 | IPL 2027 |
FAQs
How busy is India’s cricket schedule in 2026?
India could play over 40 international matches across multiple formats during the 2026-27 season.
Will India play a T20I series in Ireland?
Yes, discussions are underway for three T20 matches in Dublin before the England tour.
Why are additional T20 matches planned in Sri Lanka?
The matches are proposed as a fundraising initiative for flood relief after Cyclone Ditwah.
Will India participate in the 2026 Asian Games?
Yes. India will defend its gold medal in the T20 cricket tournament at the Asian Games in Japan.
When will the next Border-Gavaskar Trophy take place?
The India vs Australia Test series will be played in India during January–February 2027.
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