The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially unveiled the fixtures for Team India’s international home season 2025-26. The upcoming season will see India take on West Indies and South Africa in a thrilling series of Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Adding a historic milestone to Indian cricket, Guwahati is set to become the country’s 30th Test venue as it gears up to host its maiden Test match. The season is also significant as these matches are part of India’s campaign in the World Test Championship (WTC).
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West Indies Tour of India: A Short but Competitive Series
India’s home season will begin with a two-match Test series against the West Indies, sponsored by IDFC First Bank. The first Test is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad from October 2 to October 6, while the second Test will be played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata from October 10 to October 14.
This series will serve as an essential fixture in India’s WTC journey, with the team aiming to secure crucial points in their bid for a spot in the final. West Indies, known for their unpredictable performances, will be keen to challenge the home side in spin-friendly conditions.
South Africa Tour of India: A Multi-Format Contest
Following the West Indies series, India will lock horns with South Africa across all three formats. The tour will commence with a two-match Test series, marking a historic occasion as Guwahati in Assam is set to host its first-ever Test match.
The first Test between India and South Africa will take place in New Delhi from November 14 to November 18, while Guwahati will make its historic Test debut by hosting the second match from November 22 to November 26.
After the red-ball encounters, the focus will shift to white-ball cricket, with the teams competing in a three-match ODI series followed by a five-match T20I series.
ODI Series Schedule:
- 1st ODI – Ranchi, November 30
- 2nd ODI – Raipur, December 3
- 3rd ODI – Visakhapatnam, December 6
All ODIs will be played as day-night fixtures, starting at 1:30 PM IST.
T20I Series Schedule:
- 1st T20I – Cuttack, December 9
- 2nd T20I – Mullanpur (New Chandigarh), December 11
- 3rd T20I – Dharamsala, December 14
- 4th T20I – Lucknow, December 17
- 5th T20I – Ahmedabad, December 19
All T20 matches will be night games, beginning at 7:00 PM IST.
Guwahati’s Test Debut: A Moment of Pride for Assam
With Guwahati set to host its maiden Test match, it will become the 30th venue in India to stage a game in the longest format. This marks a significant achievement for the state of Assam, which has long been a hub for passionate cricket fans.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, which has previously hosted limited-overs internationals, will finally witness the prestige of Test cricket, giving local fans an opportunity to see the game’s ultimate format unfold on their home turf.
India’s Home Season Also Features the Women’s ODI World Cup
In addition to the men’s series against West Indies and South Africa, India will also play host to the Women’s ODI World Cup during this home season. The tournament promises to bring top-tier international cricket action to Indian audiences, further strengthening the sport’s presence in the country.
FAQs
When does India’s international home season 2025-26 begin?
India’s home season starts with a two-match Test series against West Indies, beginning on October 2, 2025, in Ahmedabad.
Which city is hosting its first-ever Test match in India?
Guwahati will become India’s 30th Test venue, hosting the second Test against South Africa from November 22 to 26, 2025.
How many matches will India play against South Africa?
India will face South Africa in two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is between November 14 and December 19, 2025.
Which stadiums will host the ODI and T20I series against South Africa?
The ODIs will be played in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam, while the T20Is will take place in Cuttack, Mullanpur, Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad.
What other major cricket event is happening in India during the home season?
Apart from the men’s series, India will also host the Women’s ODI World Cup during the 2025-26 home season.
