Cricket Australia Unveils 2025-26 Home Schedule: Darwin Returns as International Venue After 17 Years

Australia to Host South Africa and India Before Ashes Series in Late November

Cricket Australia has officially confirmed its 2025-26 home international schedule, marking a historic return for Darwin as an international cricket venue for the first time since 2008. The city will host two T20Is between Australia and South Africa in August, signaling a renewed focus on expanding cricket across northern Australia.

Australia’s Season Begins Against South Africa

The men’s team will kick off their home season in mid-August after completing their West Indies tour. They will host South Africa for three T20Is and three ODIs, with matches set to be played in:

• Darwin

• Cairns

• Mackay (hosting Australia’s men’s team for the first time)

This marks a significant milestone, ensuring that Australia will have played in all states and territories throughout the 2025-26 season.

India’s White-Ball Tour Before the Ashes

Following the South Africa series, India will tour Australia from mid-October, playing:

• Three ODIs

• Five T20Is

The tour begins on October 19 in Perth, with the schedule carefully designed to reduce travel fatigue before the high-profile Ashes series. One of the T20Is will be hosted on the Gold Coast, reflecting Australia’s effort to take cricket to more venues.

The Ashes 2025-26: Australia vs England

The much-anticipated Men’s Ashes series will commence on November 21 in Perth, following a longer break between India’s tour and the start of the Ashes. This scheduling adjustment aims to allow Australia to field a full-strength squad and avoid the tight turnarounds seen in previous seasons.

Northern Australia Set for Two-Test Series Against Bangladesh in 2026

Cricket Australia has also announced that northern Australia will host a two-Test series against Bangladesh in 2026. This series, originally scheduled for March 2027, has been moved forward to accommodate the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG. Possible venues for these Tests include:

• Darwin

• Cairns

• Mackay

• Townsville

Australia’s Brief Tour of New Zealand

Before hosting India, Australia will travel to New Zealand in early October for a three-match T20I series, though the dates for this tour have yet to be confirmed.

Conclusion

With Darwin’s long-awaited return, new venues like Mackay hosting international matches, and a packed schedule featuring South Africa, India, and the Ashes, Cricket Australia’s 2025-26 season promises to be one of the most dynamic in recent years.