As a global sport, cricket is unique in several ways. It is dynamic, diverse, and very unpredictable, even for the biggest and longest fans. Most importantly, the fact that there are three formats (T20, Tests, ODIs) means that each country and each team can play across multiple competitions. Sure, not everyone plays all three, but there is a lot of overlap, and each has its own tournament. More importantly, since it is played in far flung corners of the globe, the schedule is very diverse. When one league finishes, another one starts.
Cricket is present in the Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern hemispheres alike, which means that different months of the year mean different seasons and weather conditions. For a fan of the game, this is amazing because the best franchise T20 leagues seldom overlap, and there is enough time to follow everything without prolonged dry spells. There is no such thing as summer break, like in association football (soccer) or the offseason in the NBA and NFL. Many countries, quite a way from each other, have cricket as their national sport, so something is always happening.
November and December 2025 Schedule
As 2025 draws to a close, the global cricket calendar remains as packed and diverse as ever. Depending on the region and country, the final two months of the year will bring together a mix of international series, domestic competitions, and franchise leagues. If you consider yourself a true fan of the game, there will be plenty of games to watch and bet on, so check out the latest Stake cricket odds for the remaining matches of the year.
Domestic Competitions in India
In India, the domestic season takes center stage toward the year’s end. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the country’s premier domestic T20 competition, will begin on November 26, 2025, with knockout rounds scheduled for mid December. This tournament serves as a key proving ground for emerging talent hoping to catch the eye of IPL scouts and national selectors and get signed for next season. Following soon after, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s 50 over domestic competition, begins on December 24, continuing into early 2026. Both tournaments are integral to maintaining India’s deep pool of domestic talent and ensuring that the national setup remains competitive across formats. They are the highest quality of the sport left in 2025, so make sure to tune in.
Franchise Tournaments and Emerging Leagues
Beyond India, franchise cricket continues to dominate the global scene. In Australia, the Women’s Big Bash League 2025-26 starts on November 9 and lasts until December 13. It remains one of the most competitive women’s leagues in the world, featuring the best international and local talent. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi T10 will return from November 18 to 30, delivering two weeks of ultra fast cricket and massive entertainment in the United Arab Emirates, which has been investing heavily in sports as of late. In South Asia, the Nepal Premier League 2025 is scheduled from November 17 to December 13, showcasing the growth of cricket in the associate nations. The league offers Nepalese and international players an opportunity to build the sport’s presence in one of cricket’s most passionate emerging markets.
International Series and Tours
On the international front, November and December will see several marquee series unfold. The iconic Ashes series between Australia and England will begin in late November 2025, marking the start of another fierce battle for one of cricket’s oldest trophies. Early Tests played through December will set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling summer of cricket in Australia, wrapped in the festive Christmas and New Year spirit.
At the same time, India will host South Africa for a full tour beginning on November 14. The series includes all three formats, Tests, One Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals, providing an intense contest between two teams known for their fierce competitiveness. It is a complete package, something that does not happen often. Elsewhere, Bangladesh will welcome Ireland for a two Test and three T20I series running through November and early December. Pakistan, meanwhile, will host a T20 tri series featuring Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, giving fans in this Asian region plenty of cricket to enjoy as the year winds down.
Cricket’s global expansion continues with tournaments in emerging nations. The Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy takes place in Thailand from November 18 to December 1, a chance for the developing cricket countries to gain valuable international experience. Similarly, the Asia Cup Rising Stars, a T20 tournament for up and coming Asian teams, will run in Qatar from November 14 to 23. It aims to help and nurture young talent from across the region.
The 2026 Schedule Overview
Since November and December will turn into the New Year quickly, here is a look at what the soon to come 2026 has in store:
ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The ICC T20 World Cup will headline the international calendar in 2026 as the biggest event in cricket. Scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from October to November 2026, this tournament will bring together 20 of the world’s best teams. Known for its thrilling pace and unpredictable outcomes, the T20 World Cup is cricket’s most explosive global event, especially among the younger demographic. Powerhouses like India, England, Australia, and Pakistan will compete alongside rising teams such as Afghanistan and the Netherlands. The Indian subcontinent’s electric atmosphere and spin friendly pitches are the perfect place for the tournament to take place, and it will add an extra layer of intrigue. This is easily one of the most anticipated tournaments of 2026, and there is less than a year to go!
ICC World Test Championship Final 2026
Test cricket’s grand finale will occur around June 2026, most likely at Lord’s in London. The World Test Championship Final represents the pinnacle of red ball cricket, rewarding consistency and skill over a long and hard two year cycle. The finalists are, as always, expected to come from among India, Australia, and England, given their dominance in the longest, classic cricket format. The final’s strategic depth and timeless drama contrast beautifully with the rapid pace of limited overs cricket, reminding fans why Test cricket remains the ultimate test of endurance and technique. For the purists among fans, this is always the most interesting series of the yearly schedule.
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026
The Indian Premier League continues to reign as the most glamorous and lucrative domestic cricket league in the world, as well as the most recognizable among T20 franchises. The 2026 edition will likely run from late March to late May and is set to feature the 10 staple franchises. Packed with global superstars, the IPL is where international teammates often become rivals. Its combination of thrilling finishes, celebrity ownership, and world class production values makes it an annual festival of cricket and one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the entire sport. If the NBA is the pinnacle of basketball, IPL is the same for cricket. The emergence of young Indian talent, alongside seasoned international campaigners, keeps the league vibrant and unpredictable year after year, and despite there always being favorites, surprises and upsets are common.
Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026
The Pakistan Super League is now a cornerstone of Pakistan’s cricketing calendar and a league that the whole of South Asia tunes in to watch. It always begins in February 2026 and runs for about a month, meaning it ends right around the time when IPL starts. The PSL showcases Pakistan’s top domestic players alongside international stars from England, the Caribbean, and beyond. The league’s return to packed stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi has reignited cricket fever across the nation, who finally have a chance to watch the best athletes in their country do their thing live. Known for its passionate fans and bowling brilliance, the PSL has become one of the most competitive leagues in the T20 circuit, right behind its neighbors.
The Ashes 2026-27
One of sport’s oldest rivalries will resume in late 2026 when England and Australia clash for the Ashes on Australian soil. Beginning in December 2026 and running into early 2027, this five Test series is steeped in history and intensity and is arguably the fiercest and most anticipated matchup in this format. The Ashes remains the pinnacle of bilateral Test cricket, where legacy, pride, and bragging rights outweigh prize money. With Australia’s fierce fast bowlers and England’s revitalized approach under dynamic leadership, the 2026-27 Ashes is expected to be a captivating contest of tactics and temperament. It could be one of the most exciting in years.
The Hundred and Vitality Blast in England
England’s domestic summer will once again feature two major white ball competitions: The Hundred and the Vitality Blast. The Hundred, usually played in July and August, condenses the game into 100 ball innings, a format that is very appealing to new audiences while maintaining top tier talent from around the world. The Vitality Blast, the country’s traditional T20 competition, will run from May to September 2026 and continues to be a proving ground for England’s next generation of white ball stars. Together, these tournaments make English summers a celebration of innovation and tradition, and a celebration of one of the country’s oldest sports.
Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26
Australia’s Big Bash League, which spans from December 2025 to February 2026, will soon start and take us into the New Year. It remains one of the most entertaining and family friendly cricket competitions, as well as the most competitive T20 tournament of the winter (Aussie summer). With franchises like the Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers consistently setting high standards, the BBL blends fast paced cricket with vibrant crowd experiences and the overall holiday spirit. Its emphasis on youth and local talent development keeps it fresh and vital to Australia’s cricketing ecosystem.
Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026
The Caribbean Premier League, played in August and September 2026, has recently finished, and it was one of its biggest seasons ever. It embodies the rhythm and spirit of Caribbean cricket, but also the flair of the island nations and their colorful traditions. Featuring stars like Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, and emerging regional talent, the CPL offers a festival atmosphere unmatched anywhere else. Its mixture of flair, explosive hitting, and passionate crowds across islands like Trinidad, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia makes it one of the most colorful leagues in the world. While it may seem far away, August will again be here in no time.
SA20 and Mzansi Super League
South Africa’s franchise competition, the SA20, will return in January 2026, only a couple of months away. It is a great way to start the year with a league that is rapidly gaining popularity. It combines some of the biggest international stars with the promising South African talent, thus revitalizing domestic cricket in the nation. Alongside it, the Mzansi Super League may make a comeback later in the year for even more opportunities for players to showcase their abilities. These leagues have been instrumental in strengthening South Africa’s T20 pipeline and bringing fans back to local stadiums, as well as bolstering its national team.
New Zealand’s Home Summer 2026
In the southern hemisphere summer of 2025-26, New Zealand will host a series of international fixtures that reflect the nation’s growing cricketing stature. The Black Caps are expected to welcome teams such as South Africa and Pakistan for Test and limited overs series between December 2025 and March 2026. Known for its picturesque venues in Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, New Zealand cricket continues to embody sportsmanship and consistency. The nation’s balance between tactical intelligence and calm leadership has made it one of the most respected teams in world cricket, as well as a dream destination for the northern hemisphere teams to play during their winter.
Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026
Perhaps one of the most exciting developments in the cricket world recently is the rise of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. The 2026 edition, probably on schedule between July and August, will feature franchises representing American cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Texas, and New York. With international stars joining American born players for these two months, MLC has quickly established itself as a key piece in cricket’s globalization and the yearly calendar. Following the successful co hosting of the 2024 T20 World Cup, the USA’s cricketing infrastructure and fan base are growing rapidly. If it is similar to baseball, the Americans have to love it! Everything is there, from the top talent to state of the art venues. This fresh market gives the league enormous potential to shape the sport’s future.
