Two years. Five Test matches. A mountain of white-ball drama. If you’re trying to keep track of the india vs england cricket schedule, you’ve likely realized it’s a bit of a jigsaw puzzle right now. We aren't just looking at one quick tour; we are looking at a massive cycle of cricket that stretches from the cold mornings of early 2025 all the way into the peak British summer of 2026.
Honestly, the rivalry has shifted. It’s no longer just about who can survive a turning track in Ahmedabad or a swinging ball at Lord’s. It’s about the World Test Championship (WTC) points and the bragging rights of the new "Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy."
The Immediate Outlook: England in India (January 2025)
Before the big Test battles, England has to survive a white-ball gauntlet in India. This isn't just a filler series. With the Champions Trophy looming in February 2025, these matches are basically a high-stakes dress rehearsal.
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The tour kicks off on January 22, 2025. You've got five T20Is followed by three ODIs.
- T20Is: January 22, 25, 28, 30, and February 2.
- ODIs: February 6, 9, and 12.
Think about the timing here. India just reclaimed the Champions Trophy title (shoutout to that epic win in the UAE), and England is still trying to figure out their post-World Cup identity. If you're a fan, the February 12 ODI in Ahmedabad is the one to circle—it's the final tune-up before both teams fly out for the ICC tournament.
The Big One: India Tour of England 2025 (Tests)
This is the centerpiece. The five-match Test series starting in June 2025 is where the real "blood and thunder" happens. India hasn't won a Test series in England since 2007. That’s a long time. Nearly two decades of "almosts" and "what-ifs."
The 2025 schedule is brutal and beautiful at the same time:
- First Test: June 20–24 at Headingley, Leeds.
- Second Test: July 2–6 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
- Third Test: July 10–14 at Lord’s, London.
- Fourth Test: July 23–27 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
- Fifth Test: July 31–August 4 at The Kia Oval, London.
Expect Headingley to be a bit of a shock to the system. The ball moves more there than almost anywhere else in the UK. By the time they get to the Oval in August, the pitches are usually tired and start to favor the spinners—which is exactly when Ravindra Jadeja and Richabh Pant tend to go nuclear.
What About the Women’s Schedule?
People often overlook this, but the women’s india vs england cricket schedule for 2025 is actually making history. While the men are battling in white flannels, the women’s teams are playing a parallel series from June 28 to July 22, 2025.
They are playing five T20Is and three ODIs. But the real kicker? In 2026, Lord's will host its first-ever Women's Test match between these two sides. It’s about time. If you’re following the growth of the game, that Lord’s Test is a "where were you" moment.
The 2026 White-Ball Return
Fast forward a year. England fans get a second helping in July 2026. This time, it’s all about the short formats.
The Indian men's team returns to English soil for a marathon white-ball tour consisting of five T20Is and three ODIs.
- The T20I leg: July 1 to July 11, 2026. Venues include Chester-le-Street, Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, Bristol, and Southampton.
- The ODI leg: July 14 to July 19, 2026. They'll wrap things up at Edgbaston and Lord's.
It’s a bit of a relentless pace. Five T20s in ten days is basically a mini-World Cup.
Why This Schedule Matters for the WTC
Here is the nuance most people miss. The 2025 Test series isn't just a bilateral trophy. It’s the start of the 2025-2027 WTC cycle. India has made the final twice but stumbled. England, under the Bazball era (or whatever version of it exists by 2025), is trying to prove their style works over a long, five-match grind.
Every over bowled at Headingley carries points that decide who plays the final at Lord's in 2027. It's high pressure from day one.
Surprising Details and Travel Tips
If you're planning to actually go to these matches, don't just wing it. Tickets for the 2025 England tour generally go on sale to the public in January of the same year. Priority usually goes to county members first.
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Also, London in July is expensive. If you want to see the Lord’s or Oval Tests, book your stay at least six months out. Manchester (Old Trafford) is often a better "vibe" for traveling fans—the stadium has its own hotel built into the stand, and the city center is just a short tram ride away.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Sync Your Calendar: Don't rely on memory. The gap between the February 2025 white-ball series and the June 2025 Test series is filled by the IPL, which means players will be arriving in England with very little red-ball practice.
- Watch the Weather: Early June Tests in Leeds (Headingley) are notorious for rain interruptions. If you're buying tickets, check the refund policies for "overs played."
- Follow the Points: Use the ICC official portal to track the WTC table as soon as the June 20 series starts. A 1-0 lead in a five-match series is massive for qualification percentages.
- Broadcasting: In India, rights usually bounce between Star Sports and JioCinema. In the UK, Sky Sports remains the home for all home internationals.
The rivalry is reaching a fever pitch. With legends like Virat Kohli and Joe Root entering the twilight of their careers, the 2025 and 2026 matches might be the last time we see these titans face off in a full-length series. Grab your tickets or clear your schedule; it's going to be a long, loud couple of years.