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Cricket fever is set to return to the City of Nawabs as Ekana Stadium will host a high-profile India vs Afghanistan ODI match on June 17, 2026. The fixture is part of Afghanistan’s tour of India, as announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The Afghanistan tour will include:
One-off Test match
Three-match ODI series
Lucknow has been selected as the venue for one of the One-Day Internationals, making it one of the key host cities for the 2026 international cricket calendar.
The upcoming ODI is expected to feature star Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, marking their return to Ekana Stadium in Indian colours after their appearance during the India vs England ODI at the 2023 World Cup.
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has expressed pride in hosting the international fixture. UPCA secretary Prem Manohar Gupta stated that the match strengthens Lucknow’s position as a premier international cricket venue.
With the match scheduled immediately after the IPL season, the Lucknow ODI 2026 is expected to draw massive crowds, boost local tourism, and energize cricket fans across Uttar Pradesh.
High-profile India vs Afghanistan ODI 2026
Return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Lucknow
Major international cricket event after IPL 2026
Enhances Lucknow’s reputation as a top cricket destination
Ekana Stadium has consistently hosted international matches, and this ODI further confirms its growing importance in India’s cricket infrastructure.
Lucknow will host the India vs Afghanistan ODI tie on June 17, 2026, at Ekana Stadium as part of Afghanistan’s tour of India. Featuring cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the match promises excitement for local fans and reinforces Lucknow’s status as a leading international cricket venue. With strong support from BCCI and UPCA, the event is expected to be one of the biggest cricket highlights of 2026 in Uttar Pradesh.
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