Cricket fans are set for an exciting contest as Afghanistan tours India in June 2026 for a multi-format series featuring a historic one-off Test match followed by a three-match ODI series. The tour presents another significant chapter in the growing cricket rivalry between the two nations.
With India playing at home and Afghanistan continuing its rise in international cricket, the series promises competitive cricket, emerging stars, and unforgettable moments across some of India's premier cricket venues.
Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 Schedule
One-Off Test Match
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 June 2026 | India vs Afghanistan – One-off Test | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium | Mullanpur, New Chandigarh |
ODI Series
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 June 2026 | India vs Afghanistan – 1st ODI | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium | Dharamsala |
| 17 June 2026 | India vs Afghanistan – 2nd ODI | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium | Lucknow |
| 20 June 2026 | India vs Afghanistan – 3rd ODI | MA Chidambaram Stadium | Chennai |
ODI Match Timings
Start Time (IST): 1:30 PM
GMT: 8:00 AM
Local Time: 1:30 PM
A Historic Test Opportunity for Afghanistan
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the one-off Test match in Mullanpur. Afghanistan has steadily improved its red-ball cricket over the years, and facing India in Indian conditions provides another valuable opportunity to gain experience against one of the strongest Test teams in the world.
India's batting depth and spin attack will pose a significant challenge, while Afghanistan will rely on its talented bowling unit to make an impact.
The Test also serves as an important platform for Afghanistan to further establish itself as a competitive force in the longest format of the game.
ODI Series: Preparation for Future ICC Events
Following the Test match, both teams will shift their focus to the ODI format.
The three-match ODI series is expected to be highly competitive, with both sides using the matches as preparation for upcoming ICC tournaments. India will likely experiment with squad combinations, while Afghanistan will look to continue building consistency in 50-over cricket.
The picturesque conditions in Dharamsala, the balanced surface in Lucknow, and the spin-friendly challenge in Chennai ensure that each ODI presents a unique test for both teams.
Key Players to Watch
India
Rohit Sharma
One of the most successful ODI batters of all time, Rohit remains a crucial figure at the top of the order.
Shubman Gill
Gill continues to be one of India's most dependable batters and is expected to play a major role throughout the series.
Jasprit Bumrah
India's pace spearhead can change games with his ability to strike at any stage of an innings.
Ravindra Jadeja
His all-round abilities and effectiveness on turning pitches make him a vital asset.
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan
Afghanistan's biggest match-winner remains one of the world's most dangerous bowlers across formats.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Known for explosive starts, Gurbaz has the ability to put bowlers under pressure from the first over.
Ibrahim Zadran
A technically solid batter who has become one of Afghanistan's most consistent performers.
Noor Ahmad
The young left-arm spinner could play a major role, especially in Chennai's spin-friendly conditions.
Venues Overview
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
One of India's newest international cricket venues, Mullanpur hosts the historic one-off Test match and offers excellent facilities for players and spectators.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala
Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Dharamsala is regarded as one of the most scenic cricket stadiums in the world.
Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Known for balanced pitches that assist both batters and bowlers, Lucknow has become a regular venue for international cricket.
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Popularly known as Chepauk, Chennai is famous for assisting spin bowlers and creating fascinating tactical battles.
Key Battles to Watch
Rashid Khan vs India's Middle Order
The contest between Rashid Khan and India's experienced batting lineup could be one of the defining factors of the series.
Jasprit Bumrah vs Afghanistan Openers
Bumrah's ability to strike early will test Afghanistan's top-order resilience.
India's Spin Attack vs Afghanistan's Batters
Conditions in Chennai could create intriguing battles between Afghanistan's batters and India's quality spin options.
Series Prediction
India enters the series as the favorite due to home advantage, greater experience, and squad depth. However, Afghanistan has repeatedly shown that it can challenge top-ranked teams and should not be underestimated.
The ODI series is expected to be closely contested, particularly if Afghanistan's batting unit can provide consistent support to its world-class bowling attack.
Final Thoughts
The Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 offers cricket fans a fascinating mix of Test and ODI cricket. With a historic one-off Test in Mullanpur and three exciting ODIs across Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai, the tour promises high-quality cricket and memorable performances.
As Afghanistan continues its rise in world cricket and India aims to maintain its dominance at home, fans can expect competitive matches, outstanding individual performances, and plenty of excitement throughout June 2026.
Whether you're supporting India or Afghanistan, this series is one cricket enthusiasts won't want to miss.