In a significant development for international cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the schedule for Afghanistan’s tour of India in June 2026. This rare series will feature a single Test match and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), marking a departure from the usual T20-focused encounters between the two sides.
Afghanistan’s national cricket team is set to arrive in India for this blockbuster tour, providing fans with high-stakes red-ball and 50-over action. The tour kicks off with the solitary Test match from June 6 to 10 at the picturesque New Chandigarh venue, promising intense five-day drama under the Indian sun.
The ODI leg follows closely, with the first match on June 14 in Dharamsala, known for its scenic Himalayan backdrop. The second ODI shifts to Lucknow on June 17, while the series finale takes place in Chennai on June 20. All three ODIs are slated to begin at 1:30 PM IST, ensuring prime-time viewing for cricket enthusiasts across the nation.
Looking back, India and Afghanistan have limited history in longer formats. Their only previous Test, played in Bengaluru in 2018, saw India dominate with an innings and 262-run victory. Shikhar Dhawan’s masterful 107-run knock earned him Player of the Match honors, under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane.
In ODIs, the record stands at India winning three out of four encounters, with the last one ending in a thrilling tie on October 11, 2023. This upcoming series offers Afghanistan a golden opportunity to build on their growing reputation.
Afghanistan’s recent T20 World Cup 2026 campaign was disappointing, failing to advance beyond the group stage after reaching the semi-finals in the previous edition. With new coach Richard Pybus replacing Jonathan Trott, the team is undergoing a rebuild. This tour against India could be pivotal in their resurgence, drawing global attention to their progress.
Cricket fans are buzzing with excitement as this series bridges the gap between power-packed T20s and the strategic depths of Test and ODI cricket. Stay tuned for what promises to be a memorable chapter in Indo-Afghan cricketing rivalry.