Mullanpur: The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a one-off Test against Afghanistan, set to begin on June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The match marks India’s return to red-ball cricket following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

Led by Shubman Gill, the Indian squad has already arrived in the city and begun preparations for the fixture, which also holds significance as a preparatory contest ahead of a busy overseas calendar later this year.

How to buy tickets for the match

Fans eager to witness the India vs Afghanistan Test can purchase tickets through the District app and its official website. The ticket sales are already live, offering multiple seating categories to cater to a wide range of spectators.

The online booking system allows users to choose their preferred stands and pricing tiers, making it convenient for cricket enthusiasts to secure their seats well in advance. With anticipation building around India’s return to Test cricket, a strong turnout is expected at the venue.

Ticket prices for India vs Afghanistan Test

The ticket pricing for the one-off Test has been structured across various categories to ensure accessibility. As per available details, the ticket prices are:

  • ₹250
  • ₹1,500
  • ₹2,000
  • ₹2,500
  • ₹4,000
  • ₹10,000

The pricing reflects a mix of budget-friendly and premium options, allowing fans from different segments to experience the match live at the stadium.

Indian team begins preparations

The Indian contingent reached Mullanpur earlier this week and was seen arriving at their team hotel amid tight security. Captain Shubman Gill led the squad, accompanied by key players such as KL Rahul (vice-captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper-batter), and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

The team is expected to commence full-fledged training sessions shortly, focusing on adapting to red-ball conditions after an extended white-ball and T20 season. The transition from IPL cricket to Test format often requires adjustments in technique and temperament, making the preparation phase crucial.

Importance of the Test match

This Test match, although not part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, holds strategic importance for India. It provides the team an opportunity to regroup and fine-tune combinations ahead of upcoming overseas tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

India will also aim to bounce back after their 2-0 home Test series defeat to South Africa last year. The match serves as a platform for both senior players and emerging talents to prove their credentials in the longest format of the game.

Afghanistan eye competitive outing

For Afghanistan, the fixture represents another significant step in their Test cricket journey. Having gradually built experience in the format, the team will look to challenge a strong Indian side in familiar subcontinental conditions.

The two teams have faced each other only once in Test cricket before. That match took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in 2018, marking Afghanistan’s Test debut. India dominated the contest, securing an innings-and-262-run victory within two days.

The upcoming encounter will be the first red-ball meeting between the sides since that historic match, adding further interest to the contest.

India Test squad details

India’s squad for the one-off Test reflects a blend of youth and experience. Alongside captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain KL Rahul, the team includes promising talents such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal.

The squad also features all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, while the bowling unit comprises Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and others including Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, and Dhruv Jurel.

The selection underlines India’s focus on building bench strength while maintaining a competitive edge in Test cricket.

Conclusion

The India vs Afghanistan one-off Test in Mullanpur promises to be an exciting contest, offering fans a chance to witness red-ball cricket after the high-octane IPL season. With accessible ticket pricing and easy online booking options, spectators are expected to turn up in large numbers.

As India looks to regain rhythm in the longest format and Afghanistan aims to make a mark, the match could provide valuable insights into both teams’ preparations for future challenges. For fans, it is an opportunity not just to watch cricket, but to be part of a significant chapter in the evolving rivalry between the two nations.