Published: June 5, 2026 โข 10:12 PM IST ยท Updated: June 6, 2026 โข 6:48 AM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
The Indian cricket team is switching out their colorful IPL jerseys for classic Test whites as they face Afghanistan in a historic, one-off Test match.
Starting Saturday, June 6, 2026, the red-ball action will unfold at the brand-new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
This highly anticipated clash marks only the second red-ball meeting between the two nations, arriving eight long years after their inaugural Test match back in 2018. For the host nation, the fixture represents their first red-ball assignment of 2026 and a vital chance to wash away the bitter taste of their 0-2 series defeat against South Africa late last year.
While this standalone fixture will not contribute points to the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, it stands as a critical strategic junction for a transitioning Indian side.
Languishing in an uncharacteristic sixth position in the WTC table, the...