India's Packed 2026 Cricket Calendar Features T20 World Cup Title Defence
Indian men's cricket team full 2026 schedule includes T20 World Cup defence and multiple bilateral series.
The Indian men’s cricket team wrapped up its 2025 campaign with a dominant T20I series win over South Africa on December 19. After a brief break, the Men in Blue will return to action in 2026 with one of their busiest and most important schedules in recent years. The year features major ICC events, overseas tours, and multiple bilateral series across formats.
India’s 2026 campaign begins in January with a home series against New Zealand. The two teams will contest three ODIs from January 11 to 18, followed by a five-match T20I series starting shortly after. The back-to-back white-ball fixtures will serve as early preparation for the challenges ahead.
February and March will be the most crucial phase of the year as India competes in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament begins on February 7, with India entering as defending champions. The group stage includes matches against the USA, Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands, with the final scheduled for March 8.
Also Read: Ishan Kishan Reacts to India Recall for 2026 T20 World Cup Squad
Following the World Cup, international cricket pauses for India during the IPL window until late May. The team is expected to regroup in June for a series against Afghanistan, featuring one Test and three ODIs. While dates are yet to be confirmed, the series will mark India’s return to red-ball cricket in the year.
July will see India tour England for an all-white-ball series comprising five T20Is and three ODIs. In August, the team will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series. The latter half of the year remains equally demanding, with white-ball series against Afghanistan and the West Indies, alongside participation in the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, where cricket will be played in the T20 format.
India will then tour New Zealand from October to November for a full series including two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is. The year will conclude in December with a home series against Sri Lanka, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. With a packed calendar across formats and continents, 2026 promises to be a defining year for Indian cricket.
Also Read: Cameron Green Fetches Rs 30.50 Crore in IPL 2026 Mock Auction
