Mumbai — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially revised the venue list for India’s upcoming 2025–26 international home season, bringing key changes to the calendar for both men’s and women’s teams. The reshuffle affects marquee Test series, women’s ODIs, and A-team fixtures, with strategic swaps designed around weather, logistics, and stadium readiness.
🇮🇳 Men’s Test Series: Major Swaps for West Indies and South Africa Clashes
In a notable adjustment, the BCCI has swapped Kolkata and New Delhi as Test venues for two high-profile series.
- The 1st Test against the West Indies will now be held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium (October 2–6), followed by the 2nd Test in New Delhi (October 10–14).
- Meanwhile, the South Africa Test series will begin at Eden Gardens in Kolkata (November 14–18), with the 2nd Test in Guwahati (November 22–26).
The reshuffle was prompted by a mix of scheduling practicality and environmental concerns. Delhi’s declining air quality in mid-November has long been a concern for international fixtures, prompting the BCCI to move its Test against South Africa to the cooler climate of Kolkata.
👩🦰 Women’s ODIs Relocated from Chennai
The India Women vs Australia Women ODI series in September has also seen changes. Originally scheduled in Chennai, the series has been shifted due to ongoing pitch and outfield renovations at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
- New Chandigarh will now host the first two ODIs on September 14 and 17.
- The final ODI will take place in New Delhi on September 20.
The decision comes as part of the BCCI’s broader effort to promote women’s cricket across newer venues and ensure top-tier playing conditions.
🅰️ A-Team Matches: Rajkot Steps In
For the India A vs South Africa A series, the white-ball leg originally planned for Bengaluru will now be held in Rajkot, which has emerged as a reliable ODI host in recent years. Multi-day red-ball matches will still be played at the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
🗓️ Updated Fixtures Summary
| Series | Match | New Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| IND vs WI (Test) | 1st Test | Ahmedabad | Oct 2–6 |
| IND vs WI (Test) | 2nd Test | New Delhi | Oct 10–14 |
| IND vs SA (Test) | 1st Test | Kolkata | Nov 14–18 |
| IND vs SA (Test) | 2nd Test | Guwahati | Nov 22–26 |
| India Women vs AUS Women | 1st & 2nd ODIs | New Chandigarh | Sep 14 & 17 |
| India Women vs AUS Women | 3rd ODI | New Delhi | Sep 20 |
| India A vs SA A (ODIs) | 3-match ODI series | Rajkot | Nov 13, 16, 19 |
📣 What the BCCI Said
A senior BCCI official commented,
“The venue adjustments were made keeping in mind player safety, weather concerns, and infrastructure readiness. It also allows us to promote international cricket in new and emerging cities.”
🧭 What’s Next?
With the World Test Championship cycle in full swing, these matches will be crucial for India’s standings. Additionally, the Women’s ODIs against Australia serve as important build-up to the 2026 Women’s World Cup.
Stay tuned for ticketing updates, squad announcements, and pre-series build-up in the coming weeks.
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