Last Updated on 3 weeks ago by Charbel Coorey
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the fixtures for India’s 2026/27 home season. It includes a blockbuster five-Test series against archrivals Australia – the next instalment of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“The season will culminate with the prestigious and much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, featuring a five-match Test series against Australia, beginning on January 21, 2027, in Nagpur. The contest will then move to Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad, promising a compelling battle between two of the premier sides in world cricket,” read the BCCI’s news release on Thursday.
Fans disappointed with BCCI announcement on venues for 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy
However, instead of expressing excitement, fans have slammed the choice of venues for the series. Kolkata, who has not hosted a Test against Australia since the famous Eden Gardens Test of 2001, missed out. As did Mumbai, who hasn’t hosted Australia for a Test since the final match of the 2004 series.
In particular, the decision to host a Test in Guwahati raised eyebrows. Barsapara Cricket Stadium hosted its first-ever Test in November 2025. India and South Africa featured in a game where play had to begin at 9am local time as light fades rapidly by 4pm. Things could be even more complicated light-wise in February.
“This would be like Australia hosting its five marquee Tests in Hobart, Brisbane, Kalgoorlie, Wollongong and Canberra,” wrote CODE Sports’ Daniel Cherny on X (formerly Twitter).
“The wait continues for Australia to return to Eden Gardens – no Test there since the 2001 VVS/Dravid miracle. And no Mumbai Test for them since 2004. Oh well,” wrote Adam Collins of SEN and The Final Word Podcast.
Many India fans were also left disappointed. Here are some of the reactions.
The 2027 BGT kicks off on January 21 in Nagpur. The second Test begins on January 29 in Chennai before the action moves to Guwahati for the third Test starting February 11. Ranchi (February 19-23) and Ahmedabad (February 27-March 3) will host the last two Tests.
