The India national cricket team will face an intense international schedule from June 2026 to May 2027, featuring multiple bilateral tours and major tournaments after the conclusion of the **Indian Premier League 2026 season.
The upcoming 12-month stretch includes crucial matches in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle along with a large number of ODIs and T20Is as India begins shaping its squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa.
India will travel to England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, while hosting a blockbuster five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia national cricket team at home.
The packed calendar may also force the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to field split squads at certain points in the season.
WTC Qualification a Major Priority
A significant portion of the season will revolve around India’s attempt to qualify for the 2027 World Test Championship final.
Two crucial away assignments will play a major role in the standings:
- Sri Lanka Tour – 2 Tests
- New Zealand Tour – 2 Tests
With limited Test matches on those tours, India will likely treat them as must-win contests to maintain a strong points percentage.
The decisive moment could come during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in early 2027, where India will host Australia in a five-Test series. The results could determine qualification for the WTC final scheduled at Lord’s Cricket Ground in June 2027.
ODI Preparation for 2027 World Cup
Alongside Test cricket, India will also play around 20 One-Day Internationals during the season as part of preparations for the 2027 World Cup.
Key ODI series include:
- Away tours of England and New Zealand
- Home series against Sri Lanka and West Indies cricket team
The ODI leg of the New Zealand tour has even been expanded from three to five matches, highlighting the growing focus on the 50-over format.
Split Squads Possible During Asian Games
A major scheduling clash may arise in late September 2026, when the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya overlaps with a home white-ball series against West Indies.
India is expected to send a young squad to defend its cricket gold medal at the Asian Games, while the senior team continues ODI preparations at home.
India Men’s Cricket Calendar (June 2026 – May 2027)
Afghanistan Tour of India (June 6–20, 2026)
- 1 Test
- 3 ODIs
India will resume international cricket with a short home series against Afghanistan national cricket team.
Ireland T20I Series (Late June 2026)
- 3 T20Is
India travels to Ireland for a short T20I series that may allow experimentation with younger players.
England White-Ball Tour (July 1–19, 2026)
- 5 T20Is
- 3 ODIs
India’s first major overseas challenge of the season will be in England, concluding with an ODI at Lord’s.
Sri Lanka Tour (July–August 2026)
- 2 Tests (WTC)
- 3 T20Is
A crucial World Test Championship assignment awaits India in Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan Series in UAE (September 2026)
- 3 T20Is
A neutral-venue series likely to serve as preparation before a busy home season.
Bangladesh Tour (September 2026 – Subject to clearance)
- 3 ODIs
- 3 T20Is
The series against Bangladesh national cricket team is currently subject to government approval due to rising diplomatic tensions.
Zimbabwe T20I Series (September 2026)
- 3 T20Is
India will also travel to Zimbabwe ahead of the Asian Games.
West Indies Tour of India (September–October 2026)
- 3 ODIs
- 5 T20Is
The home series against West Indies may overlap with the Asian Games schedule.
Asian Games Cricket (Sept 25 – Oct 3, 2026)
- T20 format
India will defend the cricket gold medal it won at Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou.
New Zealand Tour (October–December 2026)
- 2 Tests (WTC)
- 5 ODIs
- 5 T20Is
One of the longest tours of the season and crucial for both WTC and World Cup preparation.
Sri Lanka Tour of India (December 2026)
- 3 ODIs
- 3 T20Is
Another home white-ball series to test combinations.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (January–February 2027)
- 5 Tests
The marquee India vs Australia Test series could determine qualification for the WTC Final 2027.
IPL 2027 (March–May 2027)
International cricket will pause as the focus shifts to the 20th edition of the Indian Premier League.