India's 2025 home season: BCCI revises schedule, swaps Delhi and Kolkata Test venues
NEW DELHI: The
on Monday announced updated venues for the 2025 international home season and the South Africa A tour of India, with a major change involving the shifting of a high-profile Test match from New Delhi to Kolkata, as reported earlier by TOI.
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Originally, the first Test of the India vs South Africa series was scheduled to be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from November 14–18, 2025 — a period notorious for hazardous air quality in the capital, especially in the days following Diwali. Taking into account long-standing environmental data and potential health risks, the BCCI has now moved this fixture to Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
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'The BCCI prioritises the welfare and well-being of players. After reviewing Delhi's pollution patterns over the past decade, the decision was made to shift the venue,' a senior board official earlier told TOI, adding that the change reflects the board's commitment to player health.
Poll
Do you agree with BCCI's decision to shift the Test match from New Delhi to Kolkata due to pollution concerns?
Yes, health should come first. No, it should stay in Delhi.
In a corresponding move, the second Test of the India–West Indies series, initially planned for Kolkata between October 10–14, will now be played at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The revised schedule also impacts the India Women vs Australia Women ODI series. Due to ongoing outfield renovations at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, the first two ODIs have been shifted to New Chandigarh, while the third will be hosted in Delhi.
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Meanwhile, the South Africa A tour of India will proceed as planned with multi-day matches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, the one-day matches have been relocated from Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium to the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
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