The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is over the focus now shifts to international cricket for the next 11 months. Team India is set to return to the field as they take on Afghanistan in a one-off Test that begins this Saturday at the Mullanpur stadium in New Chandigarh.

As per reports carried by the Times of India, the Afghanistan Cricket Board is keen to host India for a 3-match T20I series. As per the reports, the venue is the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The tentative dates for the series are September 13, 16, and 19th. It is learned that the Afghan board had approached the BCCI regarding a return tour, and a formal announcement could happen soon.

One unnamed BCCI source, while speaking to TOI, said, “BCCI and ACB have a very good relationship.

In fact, the Indian Board has been helping other cricketing bodies like Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Zimbabwe by sending our teams to boost their financial reserves. Both boards (IND and AFG) have reached an understanding, and the formal announcement will be made soon after a few technicalities are completed.”

This will be a huge series for both sides, considering the Asian Games are also set to be played in September. Cricketing events are set to start on the 23rd of the same month, with India defending their gold medal.

Afghanistan, it is to be noted, had won the silver medal after the final between the two sides in Hangzhou was washed out due to rain. Ruturaj Gaikwad and his men had won first place thanks to their higher seeding.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are all set for the international season

After only the Test in New Chandigarh, the Men in Blue and Gold will play three ODI games. The first of which is set to be played on 13th June in Dharamsala, the second game on 17th June in Lucknow, followed by the last game in Chennai on the 21st.

This series will see the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who last played international cricket earlier this year. Both batters will be keenly looked at, not just from their form point of view, but also from the fitness standpoint as well.

Rohit had suffered a hamstring injury during IPL 2026 and had to miss a few games. Kohli, on the other hand, had faced slight difficulties and was seen limping during the final between RCB vs GT on Sunday.