The much-anticipated Afghanistan tour of India 2026 has officially been confirmed, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing a multi-format series set to take place in June 2026. The tour will feature one Test match followed by a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, marking Afghanistan’s return to Indian soil for a competitive bilateral assignment.
The upcoming series is expected to draw significant global attention, especially from cricket fans in the UK and US, as Afghanistan continues to establish itself as a rising force in international cricket.
One-Off Test Match to Be Played in New Chandigarh
The tour will begin with a standalone Test match scheduled from June 6 to June 10, 2026, in New Chandigarh. Play will commence at 9:30 AM IST each day. This red-ball fixture will set the tone for the series and offer both teams an opportunity to test their depth in the longest format of the game.
The match holds particular significance for Afghanistan, who have steadily developed their Test credentials over the past decade. Facing India in home conditions presents a major challenge, but also a valuable opportunity to gain experience against one of the world’s strongest Test sides.
ODI Series to Follow Across Three Cities
After the Test concludes, attention will shift to the 50-over format. The three-match ODI series will begin on June 14 in Dharamshala. The second ODI will be played in Lucknow on June 17, while the final match of the series will take place in Chennai on June 20.
All ODI matches are scheduled to start at 1:30 PM IST, making them day games that could attract strong television viewership across multiple time zones, including prime morning viewing in parts of Europe.
The spread of venues across northern and southern India ensures balanced playing conditions and fan engagement in different regions of the country.
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— BCCI (@BCCI) March 2, 2026
Here's a look at the schedule for Afghanistan Men’s Team’s tour of India in June 2026 🗓️
Details ▶️ https://t.co/OkJVip4AhJ#TeamIndia | #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/CQhIliTf2E
Full Schedule of Afghanistan Tour of India 2026
| Date | Time (IST) | Match | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6–10 | 9:30 AM | India vs Afghanistan | Test | New Chandigarh |
| June 14 | 1:30 PM | India vs Afghanistan | ODI | Dharamshala |
| June 17 | 1:30 PM | India vs Afghanistan | ODI | Lucknow |
| June 20 | 1:30 PM | India vs Afghanistan | ODI | Chennai |
This structured schedule ensures a balanced mix of red-ball and white-ball cricket at the start of India’s 2026 international season.
Looking Back: Afghanistan’s Historic 2018 Tour of India
The 2026 tour also revives memories of Afghanistan’s landmark visit to India in 2018. Shortly after being granted Test status by the International Cricket Council in 2017, Afghanistan played their first-ever Test match against India in Bengaluru in June 2018.
That historic match ended in a dominant victory for India, who secured a win by an innings and 262 runs within just two days. Afghanistan were dismissed twice on the same day, a rare occurrence in Test cricket and only the fourth such instance in the format’s history at the time.
The result also marked India’s biggest innings victory in Test cricket at that point and made them the first Asian side to win a Test match inside two days. While the result was one-sided, the match symbolised a major milestone for Afghanistan cricket, signalling their arrival on the global stage.
What to Expect from the 2026 Series
Since that 2018 encounter, Afghanistan have grown significantly as a competitive unit across formats. Their performances in ICC tournaments and bilateral series have demonstrated improved batting stability and a strong spin-bowling attack.
The Afghanistan tour of India 2026 will therefore be viewed differently from their maiden Test appearance. With greater experience and exposure to international cricket, Afghanistan are expected to pose a more formidable challenge.
For India, the series offers an opportunity to fine-tune combinations ahead of a busy international calendar. It will also provide valuable match practice for emerging players looking to cement their positions in both the Test and ODI squads.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2026: ICC Takes Measures to Ensure Player Safety Amid Middle East Tensions
Global Interest and Broadcast Appeal
The series is likely to attract widespread coverage, particularly in cricket-following nations such as England, Australia, and parts of North America where the sport continues to grow. Afternoon ODI start times in India translate to morning broadcasts in the UK, potentially boosting international viewership.
Given Afghanistan’s rising popularity and India’s global cricket influence, the tour could become one of the most closely followed bilateral contests of mid-2026.
Conclusion:
The Afghanistan tour of India 2026 promises a compelling mix of history, development, and competitive cricket. With one Test match and three ODIs scheduled across iconic Indian venues, the tour represents more than just another bilateral series. It highlights Afghanistan’s steady progress in international cricket and provides fans with an exciting early-season contest.
As June 2026 approaches, anticipation will continue to build for what could be a defining chapter in the cricketing relationship between the two nations.
