India is set to begin its 2025 home cricket season with a two-match Test series against the West Indies in October, followed by a comprehensive tour by South Africa covering all three formats of the game, the country’s cricket board announced on Wednesday.
The home season will open with a clash against the Caribbean side, with the first Test scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad. The match will commence on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, one of the largest cricket venues in the world and a frequent host for major international fixtures. The second Test match will be played in Kolkata, starting from October 10, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in their official release.
“Ahemdabad will host the first test against the Caribbean side starting October 2, while Kolkata will be the venue for the second match from October 10,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India said in a statement.
This two-match series against the West Indies marks India’s return to home red-ball cricket after their overseas fixtures earlier in the year. The selection of Ahmedabad and Kolkata ensures strong crowd support and historical significance, with both stadiums having hosted memorable games in the past.
Once the West Indies tour concludes, India will then shift its focus to South Africa, who are scheduled to visit for a multi-format tour spanning Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The series against South Africa is scheduled to begin in mid-November and continue through December, making it a packed and exciting period for Indian cricket fans.
The Test series against South Africa will be held in two northern venues. New Delhi will host the first Test match, starting from November 14, followed by the second match in Guwahati. These two matches are expected to be part of the World Test Championship cycle, adding significant importance to the outcomes.
“New Delhi and Guwahati will be the stage for two tests against South Africa starting from November 14,” the statement said, indicating that the BCCI has chosen a mix of traditional and emerging venues for the prestigious format.
Following the red-ball contests, attention will turn to the 50-over format. India and South Africa will square off in three One-Day Internationals, which will take place in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. All three venues have become regular stops on India’s cricketing calendar and are known for their enthusiastic local support.
“The teams will also face off in one-day internationals in Ranchi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam,” the BCCI confirmed. These games will be closely watched, especially as teams continue their preparations and assessments for future international tournaments, including the next edition of the ICC Champions Trophy.
To conclude the South Africa tour, India will host a five-match Twenty20 International series. The T20 format, being the shortest and one of the most popular among fans, will be spread across five cities, giving audiences across different regions a chance to witness top-level cricket.
The T20I series will begin with the first match in Cuttack, followed by games in New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, and Lucknow. The final and fifth match of the series is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium, bringing the season full circle with another marquee game at the massive venue.
“The fifth and final game in the shortest format will be in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in December, after games in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamsala and Lucknow,” the statement added.
With the announcement of this calendar, the BCCI has ensured a well-distributed and extensive home season. By choosing a combination of traditional and emerging venues, the board aims to maximize fan engagement and give cricket lovers across the country a chance to watch international matches live. Cities like Guwahati and New Chandigarh, which are relatively newer entrants on the international cricket stage, benefit significantly from this exposure.
The upcoming home season also reflects India’s commitment to hosting full-format tours, providing players across disciplines with ample opportunities to perform. For the Indian team, the packed schedule offers a valuable chance to fine-tune strategies and maintain momentum across formats, especially ahead of global events that are on the horizon.
On the other side, both the West Indies and South Africa will be eager to make a mark on Indian soil. The West Indies will be looking to test their red-ball depth, while South Africa’s extended tour gives them a chance to compete at the highest level in varied conditions—something crucial in an increasingly competitive international landscape.
This series lineup also holds commercial and developmental importance. Hosting games across different zones—from the northeast to central India—demonstrates the BCCI’s intent to make cricket more accessible and inclusive. It also aids in infrastructure development and strengthens local cricketing ecosystems.
In particular, the inclusion of Raipur and Dharamsala highlights the expansion of India’s cricketing map. Both venues have previously received positive feedback from players and officials for their facilities and crowd support. Similarly, Ranchi and Visakhapatnam remain favorites for their atmosphere and strong performances by the Indian team in past encounters.
As the countdown begins for the October start, fans and analysts will keep a close eye on squad announcements, ticketing plans, and broadcast details. The Indian team’s performance will be under the spotlight, with selectors likely to use these fixtures to identify emerging talent and evaluate experienced players under different match conditions.
In conclusion, India’s 2025 home cricket season promises to be a thrilling journey for fans and players alike, beginning with the historic rivalry against the West Indies and culminating in a high-octane series against South Africa. The BCCI’s meticulous planning ensures that the calendar not only serves competitive purposes but also strengthens the connection between the sport and its widespread fanbase.
With Tests, ODIs, and T20Is all on the menu, Indian cricket followers can look forward to a season of non-stop action, varied venues, and exciting matchups that highlight the depth and global appeal of the game.
