The countdown is on: 100 Years of Unity through Sport
The countdown is on: 100 Years of Unity through Sport
100 days to go until New Zealand and India compete across multiple sporting codes this November.
The Indian cricket, football and lawn bowls teams will tour Aotearoa New Zealand later this year as part of the 100 Years of Unity through Sport programme celebrating a century of sporting connections between India and New Zealand.
The programme commemorates the 1926 tour of New Zealand by an Indian Army hockey team, which started a sporting relationship that continues today.
The 100 Years of Unity through Sport main festival period begins with a series of international fixtures set to headline events across November. The tours are the first major sporting events confirmed as part of the programme, which will also include business, community and cultural events across Aotearoa.
New Zealand Cricket announced the Black Caps will face off against the Indian men’s team in what it described as an historic ‘Mega Tour’ throughout October and November 2026.
The All Whites will host the India men’s team in a 2-match series on 12 November in Auckland and 15 November in Christchurch, New Zealand Football confirmed.
And Bowls New Zealand announced the details of a 3-match international series in Auckland on 16-18 November, featuring men’s and women’s pairs, men’s and women’s singles and mixed fours.
“We are delighted to add lawn bowls to the growing list of incredible events that will make November a sporting month to remember,” Programme Director Jamie Tout said.
“The main festival period will happen on 9-22 November, but the 100 Years of Unity programme runs across the entire year, with many other events and engagements taking place outside of that festival window,” Tout said.
“For example, we saw NZ Rugby send a coaching delegation to India in May to work alongside local coaches. And in October, the men’s and women’s U20 NZ Māori sevens squads will tour India to train and play with their Indian counterparts.”
Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Mark Mitchell and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Hon Louise Upston announced funding for the programme on 11 July, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Aotearoa.
India’s cricket tour of New Zealand features a record 12 matches across all 3 formats of the sport – the most matches scheduled by a touring international cricket team in New Zealand.
The historic relationship between New Zealand and India makes the tour particularly unique, New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Geoff Allott said.
“We are so proud and honoured to have such a special rivalry and friendship with India in cricket. Few rivalries mean more to our fans, and few relationships mean more to us as a sport.
"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 2 great countries," said Allott.
New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said the series was an opportunity to connect with the Indian community in New Zealand.
“Football has an ability to connect people around the world, so we look forward to welcoming the Indian team to Aotearoa, as well as further connecting with Kiwi-Indian communities here in New Zealand, who are one of the fastest growing demographics for the game in this country.”
Bowls New Zealand Chief Executive Mark Cameron said the importance of the festival goes beyond sport.
“For Bowls New Zealand, this tour is about more than the matches themselves. It's an opportunity to welcome our friends from India, share our sport, and celebrate the connections that sport creates between people and communities.
“We're proud to be part of a programme that recognises 100 years of sporting ties between our two countries and look forward to building on those relationships through bowls."
Sport NZ received $640,000 from the Government’s Events Boost Fund to support delivery of the 100 Years of Unity through Sport programme.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said: “India and New Zealand share a special relationship, and I’m proud the Government is investing in this cultural and sporting campaign. We look forward to welcoming the teams and fans who will experience the best our country has to offer.”
Confirmed sporting tours
India cricket tour
BLACKCAPS v India
5 T20s, 5 ODIs and 2 Tests
October to December 2026 – Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington
Sign up for NZ Cricket’s presale.
India football tour
All Whites v India
12 November – Go Media Stadium, Auckland
15 November – One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
Sign up for NZ Football’s presale.
India lawn bowls tour
Blackjacks v India
3-match international series
16-18 November – Auckland
About 100 Years of Unity through Sport – New Zealand and India
100 Years of Unity through Sport is a year-long programme of sport, community and cultural events celebrating 100 years of sporting connections between India and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Cricket, football and bowls fixtures between India and Aotearoa New Zealand have been announced, with more sports and events to come.
The programme includes events throughout the year hosted in 5 cities – Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington – and a main celebration festival in November.
The programme recognises the long-standing relationship between India and Aotearoa New Zealand, which began in 1926 when an Indian Army hockey team first toured Aotearoa New Zealand, bringing players and communities together.
