Indian Men’s Cricket Team arrived in New Zealand to a beautiful Māori welcome that officially kicked off the tour.
Players participated in the traditional hongi — the Māori greeting of pressing noses and foreheads — with local hosts and New Zealand Cricket representatives. The ceremony showcased mutual respect and the spirit of hospitality that has long defined India-New Zealand cricket relations.
The five-match T20I series begins on October 22, 2026, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, with the second match also scheduled at the same venue two days later. The series then moves to Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton.
Shreyas Iyer leads India’s T20 side for this leg of the broader all-format tour, which later includes ODIs and Tests. The Māori welcome served as a fitting cultural prelude before the first ball is bowled, reminding fans that cricket between these two nations has always been about more than just results on the field.
With the series starting tomorrow, attention now shifts to the on-field action, where both sides will look to build momentum in a packed calendar.
As #TeamIndia settles into the tour, the images of the hongi and the trophy poses stand as a reminder of the human connections that underpin international sport. The NZvIND series promises competitive cricket, but it begins with a gesture of warmth that sets a positive tone for the weeks ahead.
