A major development came to the fore about a white-ball series between India and New Zealand next year ahead of the team’s five-match Test series against England. Actually, the BCCI is planning to provide a great opportunity to sharpen their game for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
As reported by a Times of India journalist, the New Zealand National Cricket Team is likely to visit India for a white-ball series in January 2026. The proposed tour is expected to run from January 11 to 30 and allow both teams to build their squads for the ICC T20 World Cup 2025.
New Zealand likely to tour India in January 2026 for 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is
It is being said that New Zealand’s tour of India will be comprised of three ODIs and five T20Is. The final schedule and venue details for the India-New Zealand series will be discussed and confirmed during the BCCI’s Apex Council Meeting on June 14.
BCCI to review major issues in next meeting
Meanwhile, the BCCI has reportedly called a meeting on June 14. The Apex Council meeting will address several key issues, including the Bengaluru tragic incident. But the major agenda is finalizing venues for the India versus New Zealand series to ensure smooth planning ahead.
The Apex Council will also review the Age Verification Programme to prevent age fraud in the Under-16 boys and Under-15 girls categories. Another serious matter involves a complaint by the Karimnagar District Cricket Association’s president about the misuse of funds for cricket infrastructure in Telangana.
The ombudsman has asked the BCCI for action on this issue. Other major topics include updates to the Code of Conduct, tournament allowances for staff, plans for the 2025–26 domestic season, and training programs for umpires and match referees.
Black Caps gear up for Zimbabwe tour; India set to face England
Well, the Black Caps are currently gearing up for the Zimbabwe tour next month. New Zealand, Zimbabwe, and South Africa are all set to play seven T20I matches in a tri-nation series from July 14. After the T20I Tri-Series, the Kiwis will face the hosts, Zimbabwe, in a two-match Test series.
The Black Caps’ last international assignment was the home ODI series against Pakistan, which they won by a 2-0 margin in April. However, the NZC sent the New Zealand A team to Bangladesh for three unofficial ODI matches and three unofficial Test matches.
On the other hand, the Indian cricket team is currently in England, preparing for the five-match Test series. India’s tour of England will get underway on June 20 in Leeds with the Test series opener. After the England tour, India will take on Bangladesh if BCCI goes ahead with the plans.
Notably, India and New Zealand last played each other in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai earlier this year. The Men in Blue defeated the Black Caps by six wickets to lift the trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on March 9.
