Team India’s proposed three-match T20 series against Afghanistan depends on the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has scheduled three T20 matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 13, 15 and 17, but the dates may change if Bangladesh tour takes place.
It is noteworthy that the Indian Government had invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rahman to the BRICS summit. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will revise the schedule of the series between India and Afghanistan in Delhi if the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) hosts Team India from September 1 to 13.
Bangladesh tour may delay Afghanistan T20 series
Afghanistan Cricket Board has tentatively scheduled the three-match T20I series Against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi on 13, 15 and 17 September. However, according to Cricbuzz, the dates could change if India’s proposed white-ball tour of Bangladesh goes ahead.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board is planning to host India for six white-ball matches from September 1 to 13. Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected to take the final decision after receiving guidance from the Government of India.
The Men in Blue will conclude their Test series against Sri Lanka on August 27 and begin their Asian Games 2026 campaign on September 24. After this they will host West Indies in the white ball series from September 27.
Afghanistan to host India at Arun Jaitley Stadium
Afghanistan cannot host international cricket at home and have chosen the Arun Jaitley Stadium as their home venue. This would create the unusual situation of India playing as an official foreign team despite the match being played in New Delhi.
Bhairav Shant, co-founder of ITW Universe, explained how responsibilities will be shared between the two boards.
“Our understanding is that there is some kind of agreement between the ACB and BCCI for the matches, and they will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. We will handle the media and marketing rights, while the ACB will handle the match day logistics and operations.”
“Afghanistan to host India for the first time.”
ACB had initially considered Sharjah as the venue. However, later both the boards agreed to play the series in India. Earlier this year, Afghanistan toured India for a one-off Test and three-match ODI series, and they will now return for the T20I series as the designated hosts.
FanCode secures digital rights to the series
The broadcast arrangements will be different from India’s regular home international matches as Afghanistan is the official host. JioStar will not have the broadcast rights of the series.
FanCode has already secured the digital streaming rights for all three T20Is. Television rights are still available, competition for linear broadcast rights is expected between Zee, Sony Sports and Jiostar
ITW Universe is managing media and marketing rights on behalf of ACB, while the Afghanistan Board will oversee all match-day operations. An official announcement on the final schedule and broadcast partners is expected after the BCCI decides whether India will tour Bangladesh or not.
