After a trophy-laden 2025, Indian cricket is gearing up for an action-packed 2026, with a demanding schedule that includes three major ICC tournaments, the Indian Premier League, and a host of bilateral series across formats for both men’s and women’s teams.
While India dominated white-ball cricket in 2025—winning the ICC Champions Trophy, men’s Asia Cup, and witnessing the women’s team lift their maiden ODI World Cup title—the year also exposed concerns in the red-ball format. Test series losses at home and abroad, particularly against South Africa and Australia, raised questions about India’s long-format consistency.
With the new season approaching, the focus now shifts to a packed calendar featuring global tournaments, overseas challenges, and key World Test Championship fixtures.
Indian Cricket Calendar 2026: Key Tournaments & Series
ICC & Global Events
- U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup (Jan–Feb)
India will compete in the Under-19 World Cup hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe, starting January 15, with the final on February 6. India are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand, and the USA. - Men’s T20 World Cup (February)
India will host the 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, beginning February 7. The tournament will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups. India have been drawn with Pakistan, Namibia, Netherlands, and the USA. - Women’s T20 World Cup (June–July)
Following their historic ODI World Cup triumph, India’s women will compete in the T20 World Cup in England from June 12 to July 5, grouped with Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, and two qualifiers.
Bilateral Series – Men’s Team
- New Zealand tour of India (January)
3 T20Is, 3 ODIs - Indian Premier League (March–May)
The IPL will begin after the T20 World Cup, running through May. - Afghanistan tour of India (June)
1 Test, 3 ODIs (dates yet to be finalised) - India tour of England (July)
5 T20Is, 3 ODIs - India tour of Sri Lanka (August)
2 Tests (part of the World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle) - India tour of Afghanistan (Away)
3 T20Is, likely at a neutral venue (Dubai) - West Indies tour of India (September–October)
3 ODIs, 5 T20Is - India tour of New Zealand
3 ODIs, 5 T20Is, 2 Tests - Sri Lanka tour of India (December)
3 ODIs, 3 T20Is
A Year of Transition and Opportunity
The 2026 calendar reflects a crucial transition phase for Indian cricket, particularly in the Test format, with multiple overseas assignments and WTC fixtures lined up. At the same time, hosting the T20 World Cup and competing in multiple ICC events presents an opportunity for India to consolidate their dominance in limited-overs cricket.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
