India A will tour New Zealand for a series of three four-day games in October-November, just before India plays two Tests in New Zealand on their all-format tour in November. The two Tests will be played from November 19 to 23 (Wellington) and November 27 to December 1 (Christchurch).
The 'A' games will run concurrently with the white-ball phase of India's tour to New Zealand, which includes five T20Is and five ODIs beginning October 22 and ending November 15, Cricinfo reported.
According to a New Zealand Cricket media release, all three matches will be played at Christchurch's Bert Sutcliffe Oval and Hagley Oval. The first four-day game will take place from October 24 to 27, followed by the second from October 31 to November 3, and the third from November 7 to 10.
For Indian players, the encounter will coincide with the Ranji Trophy, which begins on October 11; therefore, players who travel to New Zealand will be unavailable for their domestic teams.
For New Zealand players, the Ford Trophy (a one-day event) runs from October 28 to November 12, followed by the first-class Plunket Shield on November 19. Both sides will see the 'A' series as critical preparation for the Test series, which is vital in terms of WTC rankings.
While India is placed fifth in the WTC 2027 points table, New Zealand is better placed at the third spot. New Zealand will also tour Australia in December-January. The Black Caps also have Test series scheduled at home against Sri Lanka and against Pakistan in Pakistan this cycle.
India, on the other hand, will host Australia in a series of five Tests in January-February 2027 and needs wins in all of these games to qualify for the final of the WTC 2027.
(ANI inputs)
