New Zealand home summer to start with blockbuster all-format India tour: Full Schedule & Details

Cricket enthusiasts are set for an unforgettable season as New Zealand Cricket unveils its most extensive international home summer schedule to date. Kicking off with an eagerly anticipated all-format tour from India, the Blackcaps will then welcome Sri Lanka, while the White Ferns prepare to host Bangladesh. This packed calendar promises a feast of cricketing action across multiple formats and venues, cementing New Zealand’s place on the global cricketing stage.

Blockbuster India Tour Kicks Off Home Summer

The headline event for the New Zealand home summer is undoubtedly the blockbuster all-format India tour, running from October 22 to December 1. This monumental series will feature an unprecedented 12 international matches, comprising five Twenty20 Internationals, five One Day Internationals, and two Test matches, spread across five major venues. This makes it the most significant inbound tour in New Zealand Cricket’s history, a testament to the growing rivalry and popularity of encounters between these two cricketing powerhouses.

The tour begins with the T20 International series. Christchurch’s Hagley Oval will host the first two T20Is on October 22 and 24, setting an electrifying tone for the summer. The action then shifts to Wellington (October 27), Auckland (October 30), and Hamilton (November 1) for the remaining three T20Is. Following a brief two-day respite, the ODI series will commence in Auckland on November 4. Subsequent One Dayers are scheduled for Wellington (November 7), Hamilton (November 10), and the scenic Mount Maunganui, which will host the final two ODIs on November 13 and 15.

The pinnacle of the tour, the Test series, is set to begin in Wellington on November 19, promising a classic red-ball contest. The second and final Test will be played in Christchurch, starting on November 27, where both teams will vie for supremacy in the longest format of the game. The New Zealand government is actively supporting this significant tour, marking a celebration of 100 years of sporting ties between New Zealand and India, underscoring the deep cultural and historical connection that transcends the boundaries of the cricket field.

Player Excitement and Rivalry Intensifies

The anticipation surrounding the India tour is palpable, not just among fans but also within the New Zealand squad. NZC chief marketing and commercial officer Glenn Critchley highlighted the tour’s immense significance, stating, “It simply doesn’t get bigger than India, and we’re determined to deliver New Zealanders a tour like no other. 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, and our burgeoning rivalry and friendship through cricket.” He also enthusiastically noted the potential presence of global superstars like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, predicting an “intensity and fandom that will accompany the tour.”

Blackcaps spinner Ish Sodhi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unique challenge and atmosphere India brings. “It’s always a special occasion playing India,” Sodhi remarked. “They’re an unbelievable cricket team, full of talent and star power – you know every time you face them it’s going to be seriously challenging. The rivalry we’ve built in recent years is pretty staggering, and I’m sure this tour will deliver many more big moments.” Sodhi, proud of his Indian heritage, also spoke about the unparalleled energy of Indian fans, calling it “like nothing else and something everyone should experience at least once in their life.” This historical context is amplified by New Zealand’s impressive 3-0 Test series sweep against India in India in late 2024, a result that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and further fuelled the rivalry.

Sri Lanka Tour Rounds Off Men’s Home Summer

After their challenging four-Test away tour of Australia in December-January, the Blackcaps will return home to host Sri Lanka for another all-format series. This tour will feature three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests, wrapping up the men’s international home summer.

Sri Lanka Tour Schedule:

• ODIs:
  • First ODI: January 16, Napier
  • Second ODI: January 19, Wellington
  • Third ODI: January 22, Dunedin
• T20Is:
  • First T20I: January 26, Christchurch
  • Second T20I: January 29, Nelson
  • Third T20I: January 31, Nelson
• Tests:
  • First Test: February 4, Mount Maunganui
  • Second Test: February 12, Hamilton

White Ferns Host Bangladesh in Their Only Home Series

The New Zealand women’s team, the White Ferns, will also have their moment in the sun, hosting Bangladesh for three T20Is and three ODIs from December 10 to 23. This series represents their sole international home fixture for the summer, making each match crucial.

Bangladesh Women’s Tour Schedule:

• T20Is:
  • First T20I: December 10, Nelson
  • Second T20I: December 12, Nelson
  • Third T20I: December 15, Wellington
• ODIs:
  • First ODI: December 18, Wellington
  • Second ODI: December 21, Mount Maunganui
  • Third ODI: December 23, Mount Maunganui

White Ferns player Eden Carson, currently recovering from an elbow injury, expressed her eagerness for the summer. “It’s been a challenging period, and I’ve had to be patient with the injury,” Carson shared. “After missing all of the recent summer and the current tour to England, I’m excited and motivated to get back out on the park.” She also acknowledged the challenge ahead: “Bangladesh is an improving side in women’s cricket, and we know we’ll have to be on our game.” The series against Bangladesh will serve as vital preparation for the inaugural ICC Women’s T20 Champions Trophy, which has been confirmed for February 2027, with New Zealand’s planned tour of Australia around that time to be rescheduled accordingly.

A Summer of Unrivalled Cricket

With 42 days of international cricket spread across eight cities, including the return of Sky New Zealand as the host broadcaster for the next six seasons, this home summer promises to be one for the record books. From the high-stakes India tour to the crucial series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, fans can look forward to a season brimming with thrilling contests, memorable performances, and the vibrant atmosphere that only international cricket can provide. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness history unfold on New Zealand soil.