India to play across formats as New Zealand schedule 42 days of international cricket

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New Zealand national cricket team will kick off their 2026-27 home season with a highly anticipated all-format series against India national cricket team, before hosting Sri Lanka national cricket team later in the summer.

The packed home season will feature 42 days of international cricket across eight cities, with India touring for five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests in what is expected to be one of New Zealand Cricket’s biggest events in recent years.

The tour begins at Hagley Oval in Christchurch with the opening two T20Is on October 22 and 24, before moving through Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton. The five-match ODI series follows from November 4 to 15, while the two-Test series will be played in Wellington and Christchurch starting on November 19 and 27 respectively.

New Zealand Cricket said the series will also celebrate 100 years of sporting ties between New Zealand and India, with support from the New Zealand government.

NZC chief marketing and commercial officer Glenn Critchley described the tour as a landmark occasion.

“It simply doesn’t get bigger than India,” Critchley said. “This will be about more than cricket. It will celebrate the shared history, culture and growing rivalry between New Zealand and India.”

He also highlighted the excitement surrounding the possible participation of stars such as Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.

Following the India series and an away Test tour of Australia, New Zealand will return home to host Sri Lanka in January and February. The visitors will play three ODIs, three T20Is and two Tests, bringing the curtain down on the men’s home season.

New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi said facing India always brings unique challenges and unforgettable atmospheres.

“It’s always a special occasion playing India,” Sodhi said. “They’re an unbelievable team full of talent and star power. The rivalry we’ve built over recent years has been incredible, and the energy Indian fans bring is unlike anything else.”

The rivalry has intensified since New Zealand’s historic 3-0 Test series sweep in India in 2024, the first time India had been whitewashed in a home Test series of three or more matches.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand women’s cricket team will host Bangladesh women’s cricket team for three T20Is and three ODIs in December.

The series will serve as important preparation for the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, which has been moved to February 2027.

New Zealand all-rounder Eden Carson, currently recovering from an elbow injury, said the Bangladesh series will be a valuable opportunity ahead of the global tournament.

“Bangladesh are an improving side and we’ll need to be at our best,” Carson said. “It’s exciting to have the Women’s Champions Trophy confirmed and this series should provide excellent preparation.”

With India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh all visiting, New Zealand’s upcoming summer promises to be one of the busiest and most high-profile home seasons in recent memory.