What is the India vs Afghanistan Series?
The 2026 Afghanistan tour of India comprises one Test match and a three-match ODI series, marking a historic chapter in the cricketing relationship between these two nations. This will be only the second Test meeting between India and Afghanistan, and the first bilateral three-match ODI series the two sides have contested. India have never lost to Afghanistan in any format of international cricket, but the Afghan side’s rapid improvement, particularly in white-ball cricket, makes this tour a compelling watch for fans across the subcontinent and beyond.
When is the India vs Afghanistan Series?
The tour runs from Saturday 6 June to Friday 20 June 2026. The lone Test match takes place from 6 to 10 June, followed by three ODIs on 14, 17 and 20 June. Play in the Test begins at 9:30 AM IST each day, while the ODIs are scheduled for afternoon and evening sessions.
Where is the India vs Afghanistan Series?
The Test match is hosted at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur). The ODI series moves across three venues: the first ODI in Dharamsala at the picturesque HPCA Stadium, the second in Lucknow at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, and the series finale in Chennai at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. This spread of venues across northern and southern India gives fans from multiple regions the opportunity to watch the action live.
Key Contenders
India’s squad is likely to feature a blend of established stars and emerging talent. The likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (if available) bring unmatched experience, while younger players will use this series as an opportunity to press their claims for regular selection. India’s pace battery, led by Jasprit Bumrah, could prove devastating in Test conditions. For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan remains the talisman, his leg-spin capable of troubling any batting line-up. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have shown they can score runs at the highest level, and the Afghan spirit of determination makes them dangerous opponents regardless of the format.
How to Watch
In India, live coverage is expected to be available on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar. International broadcast arrangements will be confirmed closer to the series through the BCCI and ICC broadcast partner networks. Afghan fans can follow via the ACB’s official streaming partners. Comprehensive ball-by-ball commentary will also be available through ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz.
History and Records
India and Afghanistan’s first Test match took place in 2018 in Bangalore, a one-off encounter that India won by an innings and 262 runs. Since then, Afghanistan have made significant strides, particularly in limited-overs cricket, where Rashid Khan has become one of the world’s most sought-after cricketers. This series represents India’s continued support for Afghanistan cricket, providing the Associate-turned-Full-Member nation with invaluable exposure to top-tier competition. Afghanistan gained Test status in 2017 and have steadily built their programme, with notable victories over Bangladesh, Ireland and Zimbabwe.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for all matches are expected to be available through the BCCI’s official ticketing platform and at respective stadium box offices. Indian cricket matches routinely attract capacity crowds, and the novelty of Afghanistan’s tour is likely to generate strong interest. Prices are typically very accessible compared to international cricket in other countries, reflecting the BCCI’s commitment to making live cricket available to as wide an audience as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Afghanistan’s first Test match in India?
This will be the second Test between the two nations. The first was played in Bangalore in June 2018, which India won comprehensively by an innings and 262 runs. The 2026 fixture in Chandigarh represents Afghanistan’s continued growth as a Test-playing nation.
Who is the best player in the Afghanistan cricket team?
Rashid Khan is widely regarded as Afghanistan’s greatest cricketer. The leg-spinner is a global star in T20 leagues worldwide and has been instrumental in Afghanistan’s rise through the ICC rankings. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are the leading batsmen.
What format are the ODI matches?
Each ODI is a 50-overs-per-side match played under ICC One Day International rules. The three-match series uses a best-of-three format, with the team winning two or more matches claiming the series.
How did Afghanistan gain Test status?
Afghanistan were granted Full Member status by the ICC in June 2017, alongside Ireland. This followed years of rapid progress through Associate Member cricket, including strong performances at ICC global events such as the Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup.