The cricket schedule for India national cricket team is becoming very packed after the Indian Premier League 2026 season. A new series has now been confirmed, where India will travel to the Zimbabwe for three T20 matches in August. This tour will take place shortly after India completes its white-ball series in England.
This will be India’s third visit to Zimbabwe in the last four years. The two teams have played regularly in recent times, which has helped strengthen cricket ties between the nations. In 2022, India played ODI matches there, and in 2024, the team returned for a five-match T20 series. This new tour continues that growing partnership.
Zimbabwe Keen to Face Top Teams More Often
Zimbabwe Cricket officials have expressed happiness whenever big teams like India visit their country. Matches against strong nations bring more attention to local cricket and give young players valuable experience.
However, Zimbabwe is also hoping to play more Test matches against the top cricket nations. The last time India and Zimbabwe played a Test match against each other was in 2005. Since then, the teams have mainly competed in limited-overs formats.
Cricket experts believe that playing longer formats like Test matches helps players improve their skills and confidence. It also allows fans to watch more competitive cricket across different formats.
Busy Season Ahead with Matches Across the World
The upcoming season will be one of the busiest schedules for India in recent years. After the IPL ends, the team will begin its international journey with a Test and ODI series against the Afghanistan national cricket team at home.
Following that, India will travel to Ireland national cricket team for two T20 matches. The team will then head to England for a long white-ball series featuring five T20 matches and three ODIs.
This tight schedule means players will need strong fitness and smart rotation strategies. Managing workload will be important to avoid injuries and maintain performance throughout the year.
Chance for New Players to Shine After IPL Performances
One of the biggest talking points in the upcoming season is the possibility of new players getting opportunities in the national team. With many T20 matches scheduled, selectors may test fresh talent who performed well in the IPL.
Players like Shreyas Iyer and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are among those hoping for selection. Iyer missed out on the recent T20 World Cup squad due to limited spots, but the new season could offer him another chance.
Meanwhile, Sooryavanshi has already gained attention for his explosive batting performances. After turning 15, he became eligible to represent the national team. His fast scoring in the IPL has made him one of the most talked-about young players in Indian cricket.
Giving opportunities to young players can help build a stronger team for the future. It also keeps competition high within the squad.
Important Home Series and Major Tours Lined Up
The schedule does not stop with the Zimbabwe tour. Later in the year, India will host West Indies national cricket team for ODI and T20 matches. This series will give fans across India a chance to watch exciting international cricket at home.
After that, the team will travel to New Zealand national cricket team for a long tour that includes Test matches, ODIs, and T20 matches. Touring New Zealand is always challenging because of the fast pitches and changing weather conditions.
Toward the end of the season, India will also face Sri Lanka national cricket team and then host Zimbabwe again for an ODI series in early 2027.
Big Test Series Against Australia to Close the Season
One of the most exciting parts of the schedule will be the Test series against Australia national cricket team in early 2027. The five-match Test series will take place across major Indian cities and is expected to attract huge fan interest.
Matches between India and Australia are always intense because both teams have strong histories and passionate supporters. This series could play an important role in determining rankings and building momentum for future international tournaments.
India Cricket Schedule 2026-27
| Date | Opponent | Format | Venue | Home/Away | Time |
| June 6-10, 2026 | Afghanistan | Test | Mullanpur | Home | 09:30 |
| June 14, 2026 | Afghanistan | ODI | Dharamshala | Home | 13:30 |
| June 17, 2026 | Afghanistan | ODI | Lucknow | Home | 13:30 |
| June 20, 2026 | Afghanistan | ODI | Chennai | Home | 13:30 |
| June 26, 2026 | Ireland | T20I | Belfast | Away | TBA |
| June 28, 2026 | Ireland | T20I | Belfast | Away | TBA |
| July 1, 2026 | England | T20I | Chester-le-Street | Away | 23:00 |
| July 4, 2026 | England | T20I | Manchester | Away | 19:00 |
| July 7, 2026 | England | T20I | Nottingham | Away | 23:00 |
| July 9, 2026 | England | T20I | Bristol | Away | 23:00 |
| July 11, 2026 | England | T20I | Southampton | Away | 23:00 |
| July 14, 2026 | England | ODI | Birmingham | Away | 17:30 |
| July 16, 2026 | England | ODI | Cardiff | Away | 17:30 |
| July 19, 2026 | England | ODI | London | Away | 15:30 |
| July 2026 | Zimbabwe | 1st T20I | Harare | Away | TBA |
| July 2026 | Zimbabwe | 2nd T20I | Harare | Away | TBA |
| July 2026 | Zimbabwe | 3rd T20I | Harare | Away | TBA |
| August 2026 | Sri Lanka | 1st Test | TBA | Away | 09:30 |
| August 2026 | Sri Lanka | 2nd Test | TBA | Away | 09:30 |
| September 2026 | Afghanistan | 1st T20I | TBA | Away | TBA |
| September 2026 | Afghanistan | 2nd T20I | TBA | Away | TBA |
| September 2026 | Afghanistan | 3rd T20I | TBA | Away | TBA |
| Sep 27, 2026 | West Indies | 1st ODI | Trivandrum | Home | 14:00 |
| Sep 30, 2026 | West Indies | 2nd ODI | Guwahati | Home | 14:00 |
| Oct 3, 2026 | West Indies | 3rd ODI | New Chandigarh | Home | 14:00 |
| Oct 6, 2026 | West Indies | 1st T20I | Lucknow | Home | 19:00 |
| Oct 9, 2026 | West Indies | 2nd T20I | Ranchi | Home | 19:00 |
| Oct 11, 2026 | West Indies | 3rd T20I | Indore | Home | 19:00 |
| Oct 14, 2026 | West Indies | 4th T20I | Hyderabad | Home | 19:00 |
| Oct 17, 2026 | West Indies | 5th T20I | Bengaluru | Home | 19:00 |
| Oct-Nov 2026 | New Zealand | Test | TBA | Away | TBA |
| Oct-Nov 2026 | New Zealand | Test | TBA | Away | TBA |
| Oct-Nov 2026 | New Zealand | ODI | TBA | Away | TBA |
| Oct-Nov 2026 | New Zealand | ODI | TBA | Away | TBA |
| Oct-Nov 2026 | New Zealand | ODI | TBA | Away | TBA |
| Oct-Nov 2026 | New Zealand | T20I | TBA | Away | TBA |
| Oct-Nov 2026 | New Zealand | T20I | TBA | Away | TBA |
| Oct-Nov 2026 | New Zealand | T20I | TBA | Away | TBA |
| Oct-Nov 2026 | New Zealand | T20I | TBA | Away | TBA |
| Oct-Nov 2026 | New Zealand | T20I | TBA | Away | TBA |
| Dec 13, 2026 | Sri Lanka | 1st ODI | Delhi | Home | 14:00 |
| Dec 16, 2026 | Sri Lanka | 2nd ODI | Bengaluru | Home | 14:00 |
| Dec 19, 2026 | Sri Lanka | 3rd ODI | Ahmedabad | Home | 14:00 |
| Dec 22, 2026 | Sri Lanka | 1st T20I | Rajkot | Home | 19:00 |
| Dec 24, 2026 | Sri Lanka | 2nd T20I | Cuttack | Home | 19:00 |
| Dec 27, 2026 | Sri Lanka | 3rd T20I | Pune | Home | 19:00 |
| Jan 3, 2027 | Zimbabwe | 1st ODI | Kolkata | Home | 14:00 |
| Jan 6, 2027 | Zimbabwe | 2nd ODI | Hyderabad | Home | 14:00 |
| Jan 9, 2027 | Zimbabwe | 3rd ODI | Mumbai | Home | 14:00 |
| Jan 21, 2027 | Australia | 1st Test | Nagpur | Home | 09:30 |
| Jan 29, 2027 | Australia | 2nd Test | Chennai | Home | 09:30 |
| Feb 11, 2027 | Australia | 3rd Test | Guwahati | Home | 09:00 |
| Feb 19, 2027 | Australia | 4th Test | Ranchi | Home | 09:30 |
| Feb 27, 2027 | Australia | 5th Test | Ahmedabad | Home | 09:30 |
Also Read: Watch: Xavier Bartlett Takes A Flying Catch Of Jos Buttler In PBKS vs GT