Delhi to host Afghanistan-India T20I series in September
Afghanistan to Host India in Delhi
Afghanistan will host India for a three-match T20I series at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi from September 13 to 17, 2026. This series is part of Afghanistan’s Future Tours Program, with all three matches scheduled to take place at the same venue. The decision to host the series in India aligns with Afghanistan’s practice of staging its home fixtures in India in recent years.
The series is set to begin on September 13 with the first T20I. The second match will be played on September 15, followed by the third and final T20I on September 17. This arrangement highlights the ongoing cooperation between the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Mr. Mithun Manhas, President of the BCCI, emphasized the board’s commitment to fostering cricket’s growth in Afghanistan. He noted that bilateral cricket is crucial for providing players with opportunities to compete at the highest level and gain valuable experience against quality opposition. The BCCI expressed its welcome to the ACB for this series, indicating a desire for continued collaboration to ensure its success and strengthen the relationship between the two cricketing nations.
Mr. Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, also expressed satisfaction in supporting the ACB in hosting the series in India. He highlighted the thrilling encounters that have characterized the India-Afghanistan cricketing rivalry over the years, attributing this to the quality cricketers on both sides. Saikia also pointed out the popularity of Afghanistan’s players among Indian fans, which he sees as a reflection of the strong bond between the two nations.
Strengthening Cricketing Ties
The upcoming T20I series is expected to further enhance the cricketing relationship between Afghanistan and India. India previously hosted Afghanistan for their historic first Test match in 2018, a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. Since then, regular bilateral engagements across various formats have continued, showcasing a growing partnership.
Recently, Afghanistan toured India for a three-match ODI series in June 2026, which India won 3-0. The two teams also competed in a three-match T20I series in January 2024. With this upcoming T20I series, the two cricketing nations will have competed against each other across all three formats, marking a comprehensive engagement.
Mr. Rohan Jaitley, President of the DDCA, conveyed his delight in welcoming both teams to the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He expressed confidence that the venue would provide excellent facilities and a memorable experience for the teams, and that the matches would offer fans in Delhi an opportunity to witness exciting cricket, adding to the stadium’s rich history of international events.
Significance for Afghanistan Cricket
Mr. Mirwais Ashraf, Chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, underscored the profound importance of this series for Afghanistan cricket. He described it as another crucial step in the development of their long-standing relationship with the BCCI. Hosting India for a bilateral series within India is considered a significant achievement for Afghanistan, and the ACB greatly values the cooperation and support from the BCCI that made this event possible.
Ashraf noted that Afghanistan has utilized both India and the UAE as venues for its home fixtures in recent years. Given the scale and importance of this particular series, he believes India offers an excellent setting for the event. The ACB chairman anticipates that the series will generate valuable opportunities across commercial, technical, and cricketing domains, thereby adding a new dimension to their bilateral engagement. The ACB looks forward to a successful series and to further solidifying its partnership with the BCCI.
Currently, Afghanistan is involved in a five-match ODI series against Ireland, having secured two victories. Meanwhile, India is preparing to resume its ICC World Test Championship campaign, with the first Test against Sri Lanka scheduled to start on August 15.
Source: bcci.tv
Priya Menon 