Zimbabwe to tour India for first bilateral series since 2002; Australia, Sri Lanka and West Indies also feature in a blockbuster schedule

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International cricket is set to make a much-anticipated return to Bengaluru during India’s action-packed 2026-27 home season, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveils a comprehensive schedule featuring four bilateral series and the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India will host West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Australia across formats, making it one of the busiest home seasons in recent years. The highlight of the calendar is the five-match Test series against Australia, scheduled from January 21 to March 3, with matches to be played in Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad.

A major talking point is Zimbabwe’s tour of India, marking their first bilateral series in the country since 2002. The three-match ODI series will be played in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai between January 3 and January 9, adding historical significance to the season.

Bengaluru will also return as an international venue for the first time since the tragic stampede incident outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium last year. The city is scheduled to host the fifth T20I against West Indies on October 17 and the second ODI against Sri Lanka on December 16, signaling a revival of top-tier cricket in the region.

Several venues across India will host multiple matches, underlining the масштаб and reach of the season. Guwahati, Hyderabad, Ranchi and Ahmedabad join Bengaluru in hosting two fixtures each. Guwahati, notably, continues its growing reputation as a cricketing hub by hosting its second consecutive Test match after debuting as a Test venue in 2025.

The schedule also includes a potentially challenging fixture in Delhi, where the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka is set for December 13. The venue has faced concerns over air pollution during winter months in recent years, making it a closely watched aspect of the tour.

India’s home season begins with a white-ball series against West Indies in late September, followed by Sri Lanka’s tour in December. The Zimbabwe series in January leads into the marquee Test contest against Australia, concluding a high-profile international season.

With top teams, historic returns and key venues back in action, India’s 2026-27 cricket calendar promises thrilling contests and significant moments for fans and players alike.