The five T20Is between the two former World Cup winners were earlier slated for an 11:00 p.m. IST (6:30 p.m. local time) start, but they have been moved an hour earlier after discussions with the broadcasters, reported ESPNCricinfo.
Why are the India vs England T20I match starting early?
The India vs England T20I matches will begin early to maximise television viewership in the subcontinent, according to the report.
“Start times for England’s home internationals are finalised after consultation between the ECB, venues, opposition boards, and domestic and overseas broadcasters – in this case, Sky Sports (UK) and the Sony Sports Network (India),” the report said.
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“The change in start times from the 6.30 p.m. slot, which has become standard in recent seasons, underlines English cricket’s reliance on “high-value broadcast series” – effectively, those which feature India — which was laid bare in the ECB’s recently published financial report,” it added.
India will also play a three-match ODI series during the tour, for which all tickets have been sold out, the report said. It remains to be seen if batting superstar Virat Kohli, who is nursing a hamstring injury, is fit in time for the tour.
The BCCI last week said it will announce the squad for the England ODI series towards the end of the 50-over affair against Afghanistan at home, which Kohli will miss.
Published on Jun 08, 2026
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