New Zealand's 2026 home summer to kick off with blockbuster India series

New Zealand will host an all-format India tour starting October 22, 2026, followed by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh across 42 days of international cricket in eight cities.

India tour schedule announced New Zealand will begin their 2026 home summer with a high-profile all-format series against India, starting with the first two T20Is at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on October 22 and 24. The action will then move to Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton for the remaining three T20Is on October 27, 30, and November 1. Following a brief break, the ODI series will commence on November 4 in Auckland, with the second ODI in Wellington on November 7, the third in Hamilton on November 10, and the final two in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15. The Test series will begin in Wellington on November 19, followed by the second Test in Christchurch starting November 27. ## Sri Lanka series to conclude home season After returning from a four-Test tour of Australia in December 2025 and January 2026, New Zealand will host Sri Lanka for an all-format series beginning January 16 in Napier. The ODI series will continue with the second match in Wellington on January 19 and the third in Dunedin on January 22. The T20I leg will start in Christchurch on January 26, with the final two matches in Nelson on January 29 and 31. The two-Test series will follow, starting in Mount Maunganui on February 4 and concluding in Hamilton on February 12. ## Women's team to face Bangladesh The New Zealand women's team will host Bangladesh for a three-match T20I and ODI series from December 10 to 23, 2026, serving as their only home series during the summer. The tour will open at Saxton Oval in Nelson with two T20Is on December 10 and 12, followed by the third T20I in Wellington on December 15. The ODI series will begin in Wellington on December 18, with the final two matches in Mount Maunganui on December 21 and 23. The inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy has been rescheduled to February 2027, meaning New Zealand's tour of Australia around the same time will be adjusted accordingly. ## Government and broadcaster support confirmed The New Zealand government will support the in-bound India tour, alongside other sporting tours later in the year, as part of the commemoration of 100 years of sporting ties between New Zealand and India. Sky New Zealand has also been named as the host broadcaster for New Zealand Cricket's international fixtures for the next six seasons. New Zealand Cricket's chief marketing and commercial officer, Glenn Critchley, emphasized the significance of the India tour, stating, 'It simply doesn't get bigger than India and we're determined to deliver New Zealanders a tour like no other. This will be about more than just the cricket on the field - it will be a celebration of New Zealand's shared history and culture with India, and our burgeoning rivalry and friendship through cricket.' ## Players react to India tour intensity New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi highlighted the challenge of facing India, noting their star-studded line-up and the electric atmosphere created by Indian fans. Sodhi said, 'They're an unbelievable cricket team, full of talent and star power - you know every time you face them it's going to be seriously challenging. The rivalry we've built in recent years is pretty staggering and I'm sure this tour will deliver many more big moments. Then there's the Indian fans and the energy and noise they bring - it really is like nothing else and something everyone should experience at least once in their life.' ## Captain Devine and Green share heritage pride New Zealand captain Sophie Devine and batter Maddy Green expressed excitement about the India tour, with Devine sharing her Indian heritage and the cultural significance of the series. Devine stated, 'I'm really proud of my Indian heritage and to represent my community out here in Papatoetoe today - literally just around the corner from where I grew up - is so cool. To bring my worlds and cultures together here in South Auckland is special and I just can't wait for the tour to kickstart the home summer.' ## Injured Carson eyes summer return New Zealand fast bowler Eden Carson, currently recovering from an elbow injury, spoke about her eagerness to return to action for the summer series. Carson said, 'It's been a challenging period and I've had to be patient with the injury. After missing all of the recent summer and the current tour to England, I'm excited and motivated to get back out on the park.' She also acknowledged Bangladesh as an improving side, noting the upcoming Women's Champions Trophy as a key target.