Cricket Fixtures This Week (Oct. 19–25, 2026): ICC, IPL and Major Tests

The cricket fixtures this week, October 19–25, 2026, feature a World Test Championship contest already in progress, India’s much-anticipated visit to New Zealand, two men’s ODI tri-series, and a meaningful ICC qualification match in Africa. There is no IPL match scheduled during this period. This selective international guide covers the fixtures with the clearest wider appeal rather than every domestic or associate match on the calendar.

Cricket fixtures for October 19–25, 2026: the matches to watch

All dates below refer to the date at the venue. Times are scheduled starts, not guarantees of play; a toss delay, rain or revised playing hours can change them. The second South Africa–Australia Test began on October 18, so only its remaining scheduled days fall inside this article’s window.

Source checks: the ICC fixtures and match centers, New Zealand Cricket’s home-season schedule, ICC’s Pakistan tri-series announcement, and ICC’s UAE tri-series announcement. The ICC’s Africa qualifier schedule supplies the Abuja timings.

Major Test cricket: South Africa vs. Australia continues

The second South Africa–Australia Test is scheduled for October 18–22 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. It is part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, and the final four scheduled days overlap this week. The daily 10:00 a.m. South African Standard Time start corresponds to 08:00 UTC; South Africa does not change clocks during October.

The watchpoint is not merely the outcome. Follow how long each batting side occupies the crease, whether the pitch changes as the game progresses, and whether weather interruptions leave enough time for a result. A scheduled fifth day does not mean the match must last five days. Readers can follow the Cricket Australia Test series match center and the ICC series context for current coverage rather than relying on a forecast result.

India in New Zealand: two T20Is at Hagley Oval

India’s New Zealand tour opens with T20 internationals on Thursday, October 22, and Saturday, October 24, both at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. New Zealand Cricket confirms the series schedule, and the opening match is set for 8:00 p.m. New Zealand Daylight Time. With Christchurch observing NZDT (UTC+13:00) on both dates, that becomes 07:00 UTC on each same-date morning.

These are the first two matches of a larger tour that later includes ODIs and Tests, not Test fixtures this week. The useful comparison is how each side handles powerplay batting, bowling variations at the end of an innings, and any tactical changes between the Thursday and Saturday meetings. Team selection and conditions should be checked shortly before play; a squad announcement does not determine the starting XI. See NZC’s confirmed opening-match details and second T20I coverage.

ODI tri-series: Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe

Pakistan’s three-team ODI tournament

The Pakistan-hosted ODI tri-series supplies three prominent fixtures this week: Pakistan–England on October 20, Sri Lanka–England on October 22, both in Rawalpindi, and Pakistan–England again on October 25, this time in Lahore. The ICC also lists further round-robin games on October 27 and 29 and a final on October 31, outside this article’s window.

For readers comparing performances, watch wicket preservation through the middle overs, death-over execution and whether teams adjust on moving from Rawalpindi to Lahore. Results from the first meetings may change the stakes later in the week, but they must not be assumed in advance. The ICC Pakistan series calendar provides the confirmed match dates and venues; the ICC match center is the safer route for live scores.

Afghanistan’s UAE-hosted ODI tri-series

Afghanistan plays Zimbabwe on October 19 in Abu Dhabi and Bangladesh on October 21 in Sharjah. The top two teams qualify for the scheduled October 23 final in Sharjah. Since the finalists are not fixed in advance, the final is correctly listed without a matchup, and its precise start time should be confirmed from the match center before making viewing plans.

This is a compact series with quick changes between opponents. The clearest indicators are net run-rate pressure, use of spin in the middle overs, and how teams adapt to the different venues. The ICC’s official tri-series schedule establishes the match dates; ICC match information should be checked alongside its central fixtures page for changes.

ICC pathway matches and the IPL schedule

Beyond the full-member series, Oman vs. Nepal on October 19 is a World Cup League 2 ODI in Al Amerat. It matters in the qualification pathway toward the 2027 Cricket World Cup, even though its audience may differ from the larger bilateral series. Follow the official ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 hub for its match coverage and standings.

In Abuja, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C also runs this week. Nigeria vs. Uganda on October 25 is one particularly relevant fixture, with places in the next regional qualifying stage at stake. The official ICC qualifier release contains the other fixtures and the competition pathway.

IPL: there are no Indian Premier League 2026 matches between October 19 and 25. The IPL’s official 2026 playoff notice scheduled the season finale for May 31, 2026, in Ahmedabad. Do not mistake an international T20I, a different T20 league or an old IPL highlight for a live IPL fixture this week. Check the official IPL playoff announcement for the seasonal timeline.

How to follow the week without missing a change

For an efficient viewing plan, prioritize the continuing Test if you want a multi-day contest, the two New Zealand–India matches for prime T20 interest, and the Pakistan and UAE tri-series for consecutive ODI fixtures. The fixtures table is a starting schedule, not a live scoreboard.

• Before the toss: open the corresponding official ICC match center or host-board page to reconfirm the venue, start time and XI.
• During play: check innings progress, wickets in hand and rain interruptions instead of relying on pre-match predictions.
• After play: review the official scorecard and tournament standings before judging whether the next match has become decisive.
• For streaming: verify rights by country with the official competition or broadcaster; a worldwide television or streaming option is not assumed.

All schedules are presented for the fixed week October 19–25, 2026. Local times refer to each venue, with UTC supplied for international readers. Changes after this schedule check may affect kickoff times, match venues or final participants; the official match center should take precedence.