The year 2026 is poised to go down as one of the busiest years for Team India. With home series and tough tours overseas alongside major global events, the Indian team will scarcely settle down throughout the year. Opposing top teams under Shubman Gill’s captaincy in ODIs and Tests and Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy in T20s, India will simply have to terminate its opposition regardless of the format. This is a complete and uncomplicated breakdown of India’s cricketing itinerary for 2026. India Cricket Schedule 2026 India's First Series of the Year is at Home Against New Zealand India will begin its 2026 season against New Zealand at home. The series involves five T20 Internationals and three ODIs, from January 11 to 31. This home series will give India vital time to settle in the new year and finalize their combinations before the major tournaments. ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Home Soil The biggest highlight for the year will be the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which India will host jointly after ten years. The tournament will run between February 7 and March 8. India will enter the tournament as the defending champions under Suryakumar Yadav, and fittingly will try to carry on the title in familiar conditions. Also Read | Will Shreyas Iyer play the upcoming India vs New Zealand ODI series? Afghanistan Series After IPL 2026 Post IPL 2026, India will play host to Afghanistan for one Test and three ODIs. The dates are still awaited but the fixtures are confirmed. This series will provide opportunities to test bench strength, especially in the longer format. White-Ball Tour of England India will then embark on a challenging white-ball tour of England where five T20Is and three ODIs will be played. Playing in English conditions is never easy, and this tour would be important for both teams looking ahead to some global assignments. Red-Ball Challenge in Sri Lanka In August, India will go to Sri Lanka for two Tests. The schedule is yet to be declared, but this red-ball handicaps with remain significant for India's Test aspirations in the subcontinent. Also Read | BCCI Financial Report: Strong Surplus Despite Dream11 Exit & ICC Revenue Dip Another T20I Series Against Afghanistan Later in the year, India plays Afghanistan once again, in a three-match T20 international series. Venue and date details are still pending for this competition, which promises to be tough on the cricket pitch. Asian Games 2026 Participation India takes part in the Asian Games from September 19. As in earlier editions, the BCCI is expected to send a second-string squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who successfully led India earlier, may again become an important component. West Indies Tour India While a separate squad competes in the Asian Games, the senior Indian team will concurrently receive the West Indies in a home tour. There will be three ODIs and five T20Is, allowing cricket lovers plenty of on-field action. Also Read | 4 Problems That Could Hurt India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign Tough Tour of New Zealand Towards the end of October, India will tour New Zealand for two Tests and three ODIs, extending into November, and is expected to be stiffly contested, especially in the Tests, given India's average record in New Zealand's conditions. Home Series to End the Year Against Sri Lanka India will conclude its busy season in 2026 with a home series against Sri Lanka that will feature three ODIs and three T20Is, putting the finishing touch on a jam-packed year.