India’s upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan will not count towards the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle, but it marks the beginning of an important home assignment following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed a bilateral series against Afghanistan starting June 6. The tour will feature a solitary Test followed by a three-match ODI series. The Afghanistan side, led by Rashid Khan, will travel to India as part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP).
Before the international calendar resumes, attention will shift to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which runs until the end of May. Once the T20 league concludes, India will quickly transition back to international cricket with the Afghanistan series.
Rohit, Kohli set for ODI return
The ODI leg of the series is expected to draw particular attention, with senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli firmly focused on the 50-over format. Both veterans have stepped away from T20Is and Tests, prioritising ODIs as India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Having featured in IPL 2026, Rohit and Kohli are unlikely to face issues with match fitness or rhythm. Currently ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the ICC ODI batting rankings, the duo will look to maintain their dominance in the format.
The three ODIs are scheduled for June 14, 17 and 20, to be played in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai respectively. Among these venues, only Chennai previously hosted matches during the T20 World Cup.
The series offers India an early opportunity to recalibrate in the ODI format against a competitive Afghanistan side as preparations intensify for the next global 50-over event.
