After facing backlash over handing the hosting rights of the first Test match between India and South Africa to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are set for course correction and shift the venue of the match.

The first match of the two-match series, scheduled to take place from November 14 to 18, will now take place at Eden Gardens as per a report by the Times of India. However, Delhi will instead now host the second Test match between India and the West Indies, which is originally allocated to Kolkata and slated to start on 10th October.

The published information reveals that the decision has been taken by the BCCI in order to ensure players' welfare with high pollulation levels expected in November. Over recent years, the national capital has seen extremely high levels of pollution from November onwards.

The 2017 India-Sri Lanka Test match in Delhi sparked major controversy as Sri Lankan players walked out to the field with masks. During the 2023 World Cup, major concerns were raised during a match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with both teams cancelling training sessions ahead of the match.

In the 2025-26 home season, India are scheduled to play four test matches with two matches each against West Indies and South Africa. Alongside Kolkata and Delhi, Ahmedabad and Guwahati will also host one match each. The Narendra Modi Stadium will host the series opener between India and the West Indies. Meanwhile, the Barsapara Stadium will witness Test cricket for the first time when India and South Africa play the second and final test of the series.

During the upcoming home summer, India will host South Africa for three ODIs and five T20Is. The Men in Blue are also set to host New Zealand for three ODIs and 5 T20Is in January, but the venues and dates are yet to be revealed.

In February-March, India will co-host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 alongside Sri Lanka.

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