India’s cricketers are set for a relentless schedule in 2026 following the conclusion of IPL 2026, with international tours and major tournaments lined up across multiple countries for the remainder of the year.
The two-month IPL spectacle is scheduled to end on May 31, after which Team India will immediately transition into an intense international calendar. The Men in Blue are expected to travel to Sri Lanka, England, potentially Ireland, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh — subject to government clearance — and also represent the country at the Asian Games in Japan. With several series already confirmed and a few nearing finalisation, the Indian team and its travelling contingent face a busy remainder of the year.
Shortly after the IPL concludes, India will host Afghanistan for a short bilateral series in June. The series begins with a standalone Test on June 6 in Mullanpur, followed by three ODI matches on June 14, June 17 and June 20.
Following the home series, India will travel to England for a white-ball tour comprising three ODIs and five T20Is starting July 1, with the series concluding on July 19.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, India could also play a three-match T20I series against Ireland just before travelling to England. Cricket Ireland (CI) and the BCCI have confirmed that discussions regarding the series are ongoing.
“Discussions are underway,” a source close to the information said, as quoted by the publication.
After completing the UK tour, India’s T20I squad will head to Sri Lanka for three T20I matches scheduled around July and August. The tour also includes two Test matches that are part of the Future Tour Programme (FTP).
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The report further stated that the BCCI is considering a request from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to stage the three T20Is as a fundraiser for Sri Lanka’s flood relief efforts. The country was affected by Cyclone Ditwah last November, which caused widespread destruction. If the proposal is approved, the three T20Is will be played before the two Test matches.
More international action scheduled
After returning from Sri Lanka, India will travel to the UAE in September for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
September is expected to be another busy month for the Indian team, as they are also scheduled to tour Bangladesh for six white-ball matches — three ODIs and three T20Is. However, the series will be subject to clearance from the Indian government due to recent diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
There are also ongoing discussions regarding a possible short tour of Zimbabwe later in the year, though the series has not yet been confirmed.
During the same period, the West Indies are scheduled to tour India for an eight-match white-ball series consisting of three ODIs and five T20Is. The series is expected to extend into October.
Possibility of two Indian teams playing simultaneously
The Indian cricket calendar also includes the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Cricket at the multi-sport event will be played in the T20 format, where India are the defending gold medallists.
The men’s cricket competition is scheduled to take place from September 25 to October 3, raising the possibility of two Indian white-ball squads competing in different tournaments simultaneously while the West Indies series is underway.
Busy finish to the year
India’s international commitments will continue with a full tour of New Zealand beginning in mid-October. The tour will feature five ODIs, five T20Is and two Test matches.
The two boards recently agreed to expand the ODI leg from three matches to five. The white-ball series is scheduled to start on October 22, followed by the two Test matches.
After returning home in the first week of December, India will host Sri Lanka for another white-ball series featuring three ODIs and three T20Is.
The packed calendar will then lead into the home Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in January 2027.
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