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Australia change NZ, Bangladesh home series due to women’s Champions Trophy

Tanay Hughes · 11/06/2026 · 4 min read

Impact of the ICC Schedule Adjustment

The landscape of the international women’s cricket calendar has shifted following a major decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC). As a direct result of the governing body moving the inaugural 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka to a new window in February, Cricket Australia has been forced to restructure its home summer. This move has led to a situation where Australia change NZ, Bangladesh home series due to women’s Champions Trophy requirements, aiming to balance player workload and international commitments.

The Changes for Bangladesh and New Zealand

Originally, the Bangladesh women’s team was slated to visit Australia for a comprehensive tour consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is scheduled between October 9 and October 22. While the ODI component of the series remains intact at Allan Border Field, the T20 portion has been entirely scrapped. This opening to the schedule has now been filled by New Zealand, who will instead travel to Australia in October for three T20Is at North Sydney Oval.

This is part of a complex logistical arrangement. New Zealand will now have to make two separate trips to Australia, returning in March 2027 for a series of three ODIs. The scheduling of these matches has been pushed back from their original early-March dates to allow for travel time following the conclusion of the Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka. The revised structure ensures that the teams have adequate recovery time while still providing high-quality international cricket for local fans.

Highlights of the Revised Summer Schedule

The revised summer calendar brings some exciting developments for cricket enthusiasts. Notably, the March 8 fixture between Australia and New Zealand is set to be a historic occasion. It will mark the first day-night international match held at the Junction Oval following the recent installation of floodlights. Furthermore, the timing of this match coincides with International Women’s Day and a public holiday in Melbourne, promising a significant attendance and a celebration of the women’s game.

These matches serve as a precursor to a monumental moment in cricketing history: the 150th Anniversary Test between the Australian and English men’s teams at the MCG, scheduled for March 11-15. By grouping these high-profile events, Cricket Australia aims to maximize interest and provide a showcase for the sport.

Official Perspective on the Rescheduling

Peter Roach, CA’s Head of Scheduling and Cricket Operations, noted the necessity of these changes. He emphasized that the primary goal was to provide the best possible outcomes for all teams involved, considering the complexities introduced by the ICC’s shift in the Champions Trophy window. Roach expressed gratitude toward both Bangladesh and New Zealand for their flexibility, particularly acknowledging the New Zealand Cricket board for their willingness to facilitate a split-tour structure.

The Evolving Nature of the Cricket Calendar

The shift in the home summer schedule reflects the broader challenges of managing the modern cricket calendar. With the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) anchoring the late October to December window in Australia, and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India dominating the January-February period, windows for international bilateral series are becoming increasingly narrow. Cricket Australia remains committed to maintaining a robust home schedule, even when external factors like global tournament shifts necessitate significant operational agility.

Updated 2026/27 Women’s Home Schedule

Australia Women’s ODI Series v Bangladesh

Friday, October 9: Allan Border Field (D/N)
Sunday, October 11: Allan Border Field (D/N)
Wednesday, October 14: Allan Border Field (D/N)

Australia Women’s T20 Series v New Zealand

Sunday, October 18: North Sydney Oval
Tuesday, October 20: North Sydney Oval
Thursday, October 22: North Sydney Oval

Australia Women’s ODI Series v New Zealand

Saturday, March 6: Manuka Oval (D/N)
Monday, March 8: Junction Oval (D/N)
Wednesday, March 10: Junction Oval (10.05am)

These adjustments serve as a reminder of how interconnected the global cricket schedule has become, where a decision made at the ICC level regarding a tournament in Sri Lanka can directly impact the planning of tours in Australia months in advance. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on official ticket announcements as the new dates for these fixtures are finalized.

Tanay Hughes

Tanay Hughes is a senior cricket correspondent for the Daily FT, Sri Lanka’s leading financial daily. Of Burgher descent, Hughes grew up steeped in the island’s rich literary and cricketing traditions. He covers the national team, the World Test Championship, and the domestic circuit with a special focus on spin bowling and the transformation of cricket infrastructure after the civil war. His work also explores the business side of the sport, including broadcasting deals and the financial pressures on smaller Test-playing nations. A Colombo native and University of Colombo graduate, Hughes is a regular voice on Sri Lankan television panels and contributes to The Cricketer and Wisden online.