India Schedule For 2026 Amended; Sri Lanka, Ireland Emerge As Surprise Opponents

India Team (Source: AFP)

In a significant development, India are set to face one of their busiest cricket calendars in recent years, with several tours and tournaments planned over the next 12 months. Apart from scheduled matches in countries such as England, Bangladesh and New Zealand, the BCCI is also exploring additional series in Ireland, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

It is important to note that the BCCI is considering a possible three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka. The matches are expected to take place in July or August before India’s two-Test series in the country, which is already part of the FTP (as per Cricbuzz).

To add to this, SLC has reportedly requested the BCCI to organise the T20I games as a fundraiser for flood relief in the country. Sri Lanka suffered significant damage after Cyclone Ditwah struck the island last November.

England Tour and Possible Stop in Ireland

Before travelling to Sri Lanka, India is scheduled to tour England for a white-ball series from July 1 to July 19. The tour will feature three ODIs and five T20Is.

There is also a possibility that India could play a short series in Ireland before the England tour. Discussions are underway between the BCCI and Cricket Ireland regarding a three-match T20I series in Dublin. If the talks are successful, the matches could take place in the last week of June. 

Before these overseas tours, India will host Afghanistan at home for a Test match and three ODIs between June 6 and June 20.

India to tour Bangladesh in September

India could also tour Bangladesh in September for three ODIs and three T20Is. However, this series will depend on approval from the Government of India due to recent diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

In addition, there is discussion about a possible short tour of Zimbabwe for three T20Is.

At the same time, India will be defending their gold medal in cricket at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The tournament will be played in the T20 format between September 25 and October 3.

India will also play a home series against West Indies, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is and is expected to continue in October.

New Zealand Tour and Home Series

After the busy September and October period, India will travel to New Zealand for a full tour starting in mid-October. The series may feature five ODIs (not yet confirmed), five T20Is, and two Test matches.

The first match of the tour is scheduled for October 22, and the Tests will be played after the white-ball matches. The number of ODIs was reportedly increased from three to five following discussions between the two cricket boards.

India are expected to return home in early December, when Sri Lanka will tour India for three ODIs and three T20Is.

Following the Sri Lanka home series, India will host Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January and February 2027. 

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