New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the India men’s international home schedule for the 2026–27 season, with M Chinnaswamy Stadium set to host international cricket for the first time since October 2024.
The packed calendar will feature four visiting teams — West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Australia — across formats, with a total of 22 matches scheduled to be played across 17 cities. The announcement has generated excitement among cricket fans nationwide, especially with the return of international fixtures to Bengaluru.
International cricket returns to Bengaluru
One of the key highlights of the schedule is the return of international matches to Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which last hosted a Test match against New Zealand in October 2024. The venue will host matches in both the West Indies and Sri Lanka series, reaffirming its importance in India’s cricketing landscape.
Additionally, the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati will achieve a milestone by hosting a Test match in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time.
West Indies tour to kick off season
The 2026–27 home season will begin with the West Indies touring India from September 27 to October 17. The series will comprise three One Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by a five-match T20 International (T20I) series.
The ODI matches are scheduled to be played in Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati and New Chandigarh, while the T20Is will be hosted across Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The inclusion of multiple venues ensures fans from different regions get to experience live international cricket.
Sri Lanka series in December
India will then host Sri Lanka for a white-ball series from December 13 to 27. The series will include three ODIs and three T20Is, further strengthening bilateral cricket ties between the two nations.
The ODI matches are set to take place in Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, while the T20Is will be played in Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune. The return of matches to major cricketing centres is expected to draw strong crowd turnout during the festive season.
Zimbabwe tour in early 2027
At the start of the new year, Zimbabwe will tour India for a three-match ODI series scheduled between January 3 and 9. The matches will be held in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai, offering fans in these major cities an opportunity to witness international cricket early in the year.
Though shorter in duration, the series is expected to provide valuable game time and preparation for India ahead of the marquee contest that follows.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy to conclude season
The home season will culminate in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, running from January 21 to March 3. Widely regarded as one of the most competitive rivalries in Test cricket, the series promises high-intensity action.
The opening Test will be played in Nagpur, followed by matches in Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad. The inclusion of Guwahati as a Test venue marks a significant development in expanding cricket to newer regions.
The Australia national cricket team will once again face the India national cricket team in what is expected to be a closely contested series, drawing global attention.
Expanding reach of international cricket
The BCCI’s decision to schedule matches across 17 cities reflects its continued effort to expand the reach of international cricket beyond traditional venues. By including emerging centres alongside established stadiums, the board aims to grow the sport’s footprint and fan engagement across the country.
This approach also provides players with varied playing conditions, which is crucial for team development and performance across formats.
Conclusion
With a diverse lineup of opponents, multiple formats, and widespread venue distribution, India’s 2026–27 home season promises to be one of the most engaging in recent years. The return of international cricket to Bengaluru and the inclusion of new Test venues like Guwahati underline the evolving landscape of Indian cricket.
As anticipation builds, fans across the country can look forward to a season filled with high-quality matches, historic milestones, and intense rivalries.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)