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The 2026 India tour is set to make history as New Zealand Cricket has unveiled plans to become the biggest international tour ever organized by the board. The much-awaited series will see both teams face each other across all three formats in a packed schedule that promises plenty of high-quality cricket.
The importance of this tour has also increased because it will mark India’s return to Test cricket in New Zealand for the first time since 2019. This will also be India’s first white-ball tour in the country since 2022.
New Zealand Cricket is set to host India in its biggest international tour
New Zealand Cricket recently announced its international domestic schedule, with the all-format tour of India emerging as the highlight. The Black Caps will face India in five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches in a 12-match programme, which will become the biggest international tour ever organized by New Zealand Cricket in terms of total matches.
The series is expected to be the biggest highlight of New Zealand’s domestic summer, which also features a busy calendar for both the men’s and women’s teams. Apart from the cricket rivalry, the tour will also coincide with the celebration of 100 years of sporting relations between India and New Zealand.
The rivalry between the two sides has grown significantly in recent years, leading to many memorable encounters in ICC tournaments and bilateral series. The upcoming tour will provide another chapter in that rivalry as India return to New Zealand after a gap of several years in both Test and limited overs cricket.
“When it comes to cricket, it doesn’t get bigger than India” – Glenn Critchley
New Zealand Cricket’s Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Glenn Critchley expressed excitement about the upcoming domestic season and highlighted the importance of the trip to India.
“It’s going to be another exciting summer and we’re delighted to be able to bring 42 days of international cricket to Kiwi cricket fans across eight cities,” Critchley said.
The NZC official described India’s visit as a unique opportunity for cricket fans in New Zealand and believes the tour will be enhanced by on-field activities.
“When it comes to cricket – it doesn’t get any bigger than India and we are committed to giving New Zealanders a tour like no other.”
Critchley said the tour would celebrate the long-standing relationship between the two countries while also showcasing one of cricket’s most exciting modern rivalries. He further said that the presence of star players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah is expected to generate huge interest among the supporters.
“The passion and following of this team is amazing,” Critchley said, urging fans to secure their tickets early, adding that New Zealand Cricket expects strong demand throughout the series.
Also read: Gurnoor Brar beats Auqib Nabi to make India debut, Mohammad Siraj doubtful for Afghanistan Test
India tour of New Zealand 2026 full schedule:
| date | match | venue |
| 22-october-26 | 1st t20i | christchurch |
| 24-october-26 | 2nd t20i | christchurch |
| 27-october-26 | 3rd t20i | Wellington |
| 30-october-26 | 4th T20I | auckland |
| 01-November-26 | 5th t20i | hamilton |
| 04-November-26 | 1st ODI | auckland |
| 07-November-26 | 2nd ODI | Wellington |
| 10-November-26 | 3rd ODI | hamilton |
| 13-November-26 | 4th ODI | Mount Maunganui |
| 15-November-26 | 5th ODI | Mount Maunganui |
| 19-23 November 2026 | first test | Wellington |
| 27 November-1 December 2026 | second test | christchurch |
