India is set to host Afghanistan for a full tour in June 2026.
The Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 schedule covers one Test match and three ODIs across four exciting venues.
It’s a big moment for Afghan cricket. They get a proper red-ball and white-ball challenge against one of the best sides in the world.
The tour runs from June 6 to June 20, 2026. The BCCI officially announced the fixtures on March 2, 2026.
Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia made the announcement.
The series carries the official title: IDFC First Bank Afghanistan Tour of India.
Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 Schedule for Test & ODI Series
Quick Summary:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Tour Name | IDFC First Bank Afghanistan Tour of India |
| Formats | 1 Test, 3 ODIs |
| Tour Dates | June 6 to June 20, 2026 |
| Announced By | BCCI (Devajit Saikia) |
| Test Venue | New Chandigarh |
| ODI Venues | Dharamshala, Lucknow, Chennai |
Key Highlights:
- One Test match in New Chandigarh (June 6 to 10)
- Three ODIs across three different cities
- All matches have set start times (IST)
- Series officially titled IDFC First Bank Afghanistan Tour of India
- BCCI announced fixtures on March 2, 2026
Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 Schedule for Test Series
The Test match kicks off the tour. It’s held in New Chandigarh and runs from June 6 to 10, 2026. Start time is 9:30 AM IST.
This is a crucial game for Afghanistan. Test cricket is still a growing chapter for them.
Every match at this level helps build their red-ball depth and experience.
New Chandigarh offers a modern cricket setting. Expect a competitive pitch.
India will look to enforce their home advantage early. Afghanistan will want to show they belong at this level.
Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 Schedule for ODI Series
After the Test, the action switches to white-ball cricket.
The Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 schedule for ODI series spans three matches across three venues.
All three ODIs start at 1:30 PM IST.
- 1st ODI: Dharamshala (June 14)
Dharamshala is one of the most scenic grounds in India. The high altitude can affect pace and swing. Afghanistan’s spinners may find less grip here. India’s batters tend to dominate at this venue.
- 2nd ODI: Lucknow (June 17)
Lucknow’s Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium is a modern venue. Pitches here can be flat and run-heavy. Expect a high-scoring game if conditions stay dry.
- 3rd ODI: Chennai (June 20)
Chennai is famous for spin-friendly pitches. This could suit Afghanistan’s spin attack well. Players like Rashid Khan thrive on these surfaces. This match could be the most competitive of the three.
Full Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 Fixtures
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Match | June 6–10, 2026 | New Chandigarh | 9:30 AM |
| 1st ODI | June 14, 2026 | Dharamshala | 1:30 PM |
| 2nd ODI | June 17, 2026 | Lucknow | 1:30 PM |
| 3rd ODI | June 20, 2026 | Chennai | 1:30 PM |
Venue Breakdown at a Glance
| Venue | City | Match Type | Pitch Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Chandigarh | New Chandigarh | Test | Balanced |
| HPCA Stadium | Dharamshala | 1st ODI | Pace-friendly |
| Ekana Stadium | Lucknow | 2nd ODI | Flat/Batting |
| Chepauk Stadium | Chennai | 3rd ODI | Spin-friendly |
Expert Analysis: What to Watch?
Afghanistan’s Test Challenge
Afghanistan has played limited Test cricket. Facing India at home is a tough ask.
India’s spinners will target their middle order early. Afghanistan’s batting depth will be tested in longer sessions.
That said, their bowling has real talent. Rashid Khan can take wickets on any surface.
If Afghanistan bat well in the first innings, this Test could go deep.
ODI Series: Where Afghanistan Can Compete?
The ODI format suits Afghanistan much better. Their spin trio is respected across international cricket. In Chennai, they’ll feel especially at home on a turning track.
India’s ODI lineup is strong. But Afghanistan has pulled off upsets before. Don’t count them out in any of the three games. The series finale in Chennai could produce a real contest.
Key Players to Watch
India:
- Top-order batters who thrive at home
- Spin bowlers attacking on Chennai’s pitch
Afghanistan:
- Rashid Khan in spin-friendly conditions
- Their top-order batters in the ODI series
Why This Series Matters?
This tour is more than just fixtures on a calendar. For Afghanistan, it’s a chance to test themselves against a top-ranked Test nation at home. Each game adds to their international experience.
For Afghanistan Cricket, growth at the Test level has been steady. Wins against top teams remain rare.
But performances like this build the next generation. Young Afghan fans watching this series get to see their team compete at the highest level.
India, on the other hand, uses home series to try new combinations. Expect some rotation in the ODI squad.
FAQs
- When does the Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 start?
The tour starts on June 6, 2026. The Test match in New Chandigarh opens the series.
- Where will the Test match be played?
The Test match takes place in New Chandigarh. It runs from June 6 to 10, starting at 9:30 AM IST.
- How many ODIs are in the Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 ODI series?
There are three ODIs. They take place on June 14 (Dharamshala), June 17 (Lucknow), and June 20 (Chennai).
- What time do the ODIs start?
All three ODIs start at 1:30 PM IST.
- Who announced the Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 fixtures?
The BCCI announced the fixtures on March 2, 2026. BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia made the official announcement.
Conclusion:
The Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 schedule gives fans four matches across four cities.
From the Test in New Chandigarh to the ODI finale in Chennai, each game has something to offer.
Afghanistan brings genuine talent, especially in spin bowling. India brings home conditions and a loaded squad.
This series won’t be one-sided. Watch for competitive cricket and some key individual performances.
Mark your calendar. June 2026 is going to be a good month for cricket.
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