New Zealand home summer to start with blockbuster all-format India tour
An Unprecedented Opening for the Kiwi Summer
The anticipation is building as the New Zealand men’s cricket team prepares for an international home summer that promises to be one of the most significant in the nation’s sporting history. The headline act is confirmed: the New Zealand home summer to start with blockbuster all-format India tour. Running from October 22 to December 1, this expansive series will include five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches. According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), this represents the highest number of international matches scheduled for a single inbound tour in their history.
The India Tour Schedule
The intensity begins immediately in Christchurch at the Hagley Oval with the first two T20Is on October 22 and 24. The action then moves to Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton for the final three T20Is. Following a brief two-day break, the ODI leg of the tour commences on November 4 in Auckland, with subsequent matches in Wellington, Hamilton, and a two-game stint in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15.
The Test series, which promises to be the highlight of the summer, begins in Wellington on November 19, followed by a highly anticipated second Test in Christchurch starting on November 27. This series follows New Zealand’s historic 3-0 sweep of India on their home soil in late 2024, adding an extra layer of competitive tension to the rivalry.
A Celebration of History and Rivalry
NZC chief marketing and commercial officer Glenn Critchley highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that the government will be supporting the tour as part of a commemoration of 100 years of sporting ties between the two nations. “It simply doesn’t get bigger than India,” Critchley said. “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.”
Players like Ish Sodhi are equally enthusiastic. Reflecting on his heritage and the challenge ahead, Sodhi remarked, “They’re an unbelievable cricket team, full of talent and star power. The rivalry we’ve built in recent years is pretty staggering and I’m sure this tour will deliver many more big moments.”
Beyond the India Tour: A Packed Calendar
The cricketing festivities do not stop with the conclusion of the India tour. The Black Caps will embark on an away tour of four Tests in Australia during December and January. Upon their return, they will host Sri Lanka for an all-format series featuring three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests. This series will span eight cities and conclude in late February, ensuring a steady diet of elite cricket for local fans.
Women’s Cricket: Preparing for the Champions Trophy
The New Zealand women’s team also has a busy schedule, hosting Bangladesh for three T20Is and three ODIs from December 10 to 23. This series serves as vital preparation for the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, which has been moved to February 2027. Eden Carson, looking forward to her return from an elbow injury, noted the importance of the Bangladesh series, stating, “Bangladesh is an improving side in women’s cricket and we know we’ll have to be on our game.”-
The Full Sporting Picture
With 42 days of international cricket scheduled across eight cities, and the return of Sky New Zealand as the official host broadcaster for the next six seasons, the upcoming summer is poised to be a milestone period for the sport. From the electrifying atmosphere expected during the India tour to the tactical battles against Sri Lanka and the development of the women’s side, cricket enthusiasts in New Zealand have much to look forward to in the coming months.
