Following their historic T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, the Indian cricket team is set for an intensive 12-month international calendar. After the conclusion of IPL 2026, the national side will resume international duties in June. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the schedule includes multiple bilateral series, the Asian Games, and the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy, keeping the team occupied across all formats.
Team India secured their third T20 World Cup title by defeating New Zealand in the final. With IPL 2026 scheduled to commence on March 28, international fixtures will pause temporarily as players represent their respective franchises. The post-IPL season kicks off with a home series against Afghanistan, followed by extensive overseas tours to England and Sri Lanka as part of the preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Inclusion of T20Is in Sri Lanka Tour
The BCCI is finalizing an international schedule that may include additional fixtures in Sri Lanka during July-August. While two Test matches were already part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP), three T20Is are likely to be added to the itinerary. According to officials, these matches are intended to raise funds for flood relief efforts in Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by a cyclone last November. These T20Is are expected to precede the Test series.
Tours of England and Ireland
India will embark on a tour of England in early July, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs between July 1 and July 19. Discussions are also underway for a short three-match T20I series against Ireland in Dublin during the final week of June. Prior to these overseas assignments, India will host Afghanistan for one Test and three ODIs from June 6 to June 20, marking the beginning of the home international season.
Congested September Schedule and Diplomatic Clearances
September 2026 presents a significant scheduling challenge for the Indian team. A three-match T20I series against Afghanistan is planned in the UAE, alongside a tour of Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is. The Bangladesh series remains subject to government approval due to diplomatic factors. Also, a potential three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe is being considered for the same window to provide more exposure to the bench strength.
Clash Between Asian Games and West Indies Series
West Indies is scheduled to tour India in September and October for three ODIs and five T20Is. This period overlaps with the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, held from September 19 to October 4. Since the Asian Games feature the T20 format, the BCCI may deploy two separate squads. One team will represent India at the continental event, while the primary ODI squad remains engaged in the home bilateral series against the West Indies.
New Zealand Tour and Border-Gavaskar Trophy
India will travel to New Zealand on October 18 for a comprehensive tour consisting of two Tests, five ODIs, and five T20Is. Reports indicate that the BCCI and New Zealand Cricket agreed to increase the number of ODIs from three to five. Following this, Sri Lanka will visit India in December for a limited-overs series. The high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia is scheduled for January-February 2027 on Indian soil, leading up to the 20th edition of the IPL.