The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a revised schedule for the Indian cricket team’s International home season for 2024-25. The adjustments were confirmed on Tuesday, August 13. Notable modifications have been made to the India vs Bangladesh and the India vs England T20I series, while the Test and One-Day International (ODI) schedules remain intact.
Key changes include the relocation of the first T20I match between India and Bangladesh from Dharamsala to Gwalior. Initially slated for October 6, 2024, the switch is due to upgrades and renovations in progress at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium’s dressing rooms. “The first T20I between India and Bangladesh, initially set to be held in Dharamsala on 6th October 2024, will now take place in Gwalior owing to upgrades and renovation work being carried out by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association in the dressing rooms,” the BCCI said in its statement.
Further adjustments have been made to the T20I series against England. The venues for the first and second T20Is in the five-match series against England have been swapped. Initially, Chennai was to host the first T20I on January 22, while Kolkata was scheduled for the second game on January 25. In the revised schedule, Chennai will now host the second T20I, and Kolkata will host the first. This change was made to optimize logistical and operational efficiencies, though specific reasons were not detailed in the statement released by the BCCI.
One of the highlights of the new schedule is the use of the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior for its first international fixture. “The match in Gwalior marks the inaugural international fixture at the city’s new stadium – Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium – and the first since the historic India-South Africa ODI in 2010, where the legendary Sachin Tendulkar became the first male cricketer to score a double century in ODIs,” the BCCI statement added.
The revised schedule outlines India’s commitments across series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England. The men’s team’s home season starts with a bang—a Test series and a T20I series against Bangladesh. The red-ball format will kick off proceedings with India and Bangladesh clashing in a two-match Test series. The first Test is scheduled for September 19 to September 24, followed by the second Test from September 27 to October 1.
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Following the Test series, the T20Is will begin on October 6 in Gwalior. This will act as a curtain-raiser for the newly inaugurated stadium. The second and third T20Is against Bangladesh will be played on October 9 and October 12, respectively.
India’s next international cricket engagement at home will be a three-match Test series against New Zealand. This series is expected to take place from October 16 to November 5, which will be immediately followed by the crucial away Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, adding another layer of intensity to the Indian cricket calendar.
In early 2025, India is set to host England for a comprehensive series. This includes five T20Is starting from January 22, followed by three ODIs, concluding on February 12. The revised venue changes in the T20I series against England will offer cricket fans in Chennai and Kolkata a unique flavor, with matches being hosted in the reverse order of the original schedule.
The anticipation among fans and analysts is building, with many excited to see the inaugural international match at Gwalior’s Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium—a venue etched in history due to Sachin Tendulkar’s double-century feat in 2010.
These changes also highlight the BCCI’s flexibility and responsiveness in accommodating logistical and infrastructural needs. The BCCI’s statement emphasized its commitment to delivering a seamless, high-quality cricketing experience for both players and fans. The shifting of venues and rescheduling of matches showcase the Board’s resolve to maintain the highest standards of facilities and ensure best possible arrangements.
As the revised schedule ushers in new opportunities and excitement, cricket enthusiasts are keenly looking forward to an action-packed home season. The adjustments, while subtle, have stirred fresh interest in the upcoming fixtures, making the wait for cricket even more compelling than before.
For comprehensive details, updated schedules, and upcoming fixtures, refer to the official communications from the BCCI. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on official platforms for any further updates or changes as the season progresses.
