Cricket has been joined by football and lawn bowls in New Zealand’s 100 years of sporting unity celebrations with India, as a bumper festival of sport looms at the end of the year.
With the BLACKCAPS 12-game three-format tour (Oct 22 – Dec 1) announced in June, the Blackjacks bowlers have now been confirmed for a three-match series in Auckland (Nov 16-18), while the All Whites will take on India in Auckland (Nov 12) and Christchurch (Nov 15).
NZC CEO Geoff Allott welcomed the addition of football and lawn bowls to the 2026 summer sporting calendar.
“NZC is delighted to be playing its part in the 100 Years of Unity through Sport commemorations,” he said.
"Alongside the Government, Sport NZ, and our fellow codes, we're determined to see sport continue to play a major role in growing the connection between our two great countries.
“With football and bowls joining the November fixture list – Kiwis are going to have ample opportunity to watch high-quality international sport.”
With less than a month until tickets go on sale for the NZC International Home Summer, Allott said anticipation was building nicely.
“A mega-tour by the India men will make for an incredible start to our summer,” he said.
“As expected, demand for the tour is already extremely high, and not just for tickets, but for hospitality and partnerships – it’s clear everyone wants to be part of the excitement.”
The sporting programme was formally backed with Government funding on July 11, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand, with Sport NZ receiving $640,000 from the Government's Events Boost Fund to help deliver it.
"Marking 100 years of sporting ties is a significant milestone in the relationship between India and New Zealand," said Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Mark Mitchell.
"It speaks to the power of sport to unite nations, foster mutual respect, and create lasting friendships."
New Zealand v Indian fixtures
BLACKCAPS v India
5 T20s, 5 ODIs and 2 Tests
October to December 2026 – Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington|
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India football tour - All Whites v India
12 November – Go Media Stadium, Auckland
15 November – One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
India Lawn Bowls tour
Blackjacks v India
3-match international series
16-18 November – Auckland