Delhi to host Afghanistan-India T20I series in September
Afghanistan to host India in Delhi
Afghanistan is set to host India for a three-match T20I series at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi. The series, part of Afghanistan’s Future Tours Program, will take place from September 13 to 17, 2026. All three matches are scheduled to be played at the same venue, continuing Afghanistan’s practice of hosting home fixtures in India in recent years.
The series will commence on September 13 with the first T20I. The second match is slated for September 15, followed by the third and final T20I on September 17. This arrangement highlights the ongoing collaboration between the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Mr. Mirwais Ashraf, Chairman of the ACB, emphasized the importance of this series for Afghanistan cricket. He noted that hosting India for a bilateral series in India marks a significant milestone for the board. Mr. Ashraf also expressed appreciation for the BCCI’s cooperation and support in making the event possible, viewing it as another step in strengthening their long-standing relationship.
The ACB Chairman further stated that given the significance and scale of this series, India provides an excellent setting for the event. He believes the series will create valuable opportunities across commercial, technical, and cricketing areas, adding a new dimension to the bilateral engagement between the two nations. The ACB anticipates a successful series and looks forward to further strengthening its partnership with the BCCI.
Strengthening cricketing ties
The upcoming series is aimed at fostering the cricketing relationship between Afghanistan and India. Mr. Mithun Manhas, President of the BCCI, reiterated the board’s commitment to supporting the growth of cricket in Afghanistan. He highlighted that providing opportunities for Afghan players to compete at the highest level is crucial, and bilateral cricket plays a vital role in this by allowing teams to gain valuable experience against quality opposition.
Mr. Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, expressed pleasure in supporting the ACB in hosting the T20I series in India. He noted that the cricketing rivalry between India and Afghanistan has historically produced thrilling encounters, with both teams featuring quality cricketers. Mr. 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 cricketing nations.
The BCCI Secretary recalled India hosting Afghanistan for their historic first Test in 2018 as a significant milestone in their journey. Since then, regular bilateral engagements have continued between the two teams. He also mentioned that India recently hosted Afghanistan for a Test and ODI series in June 2026, and with this upcoming T20I series, the two teams will have competed against each other across all three formats.
Mr. Rohan Jaitley, President of the DDCA, expressed delight at welcoming both teams to the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He anticipates an exciting T20I series and looks forward to providing the teams with excellent facilities and a memorable experience. Mr. Jaitley is confident that the three matches will offer fans in Delhi an opportunity to enjoy exciting cricket and further contribute to the rich history of international cricket at the iconic venue.
The two sides have regularly faced each other across formats. Afghanistan’s most recent tour of India for a three-match ODI series in June 2026 concluded with India winning 3-0. Additionally, the two teams played a three-match T20I series in January 2024. This upcoming series will add another chapter to the growing cricketing relationship between the two nations, with all matches scheduled to be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Source: bcci.tv
