Afghanistan to Host India in Delhi
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have confirmed that Afghanistan will host India for a three-match T20I series. The matches are scheduled to take place 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 fixtures set to be played at the same venue.
The series will commence on September 13 with the first T20I. The second match is slated for September 15, and the final T20I will be played on September 17. Afghanistan has utilized India as a venue for its home fixtures in recent years, and this arrangement continues for the upcoming series.
Mr. Mithun Manhas, President of the BCCI, stated that the BCCI is dedicated to supporting the growth of cricket in Afghanistan and providing opportunities for its players to compete at the highest level. He emphasized the importance of bilateral cricket for teams to regularly play against quality opposition and gain valuable experience. Mr. Manhas expressed the BCCI’s welcome to the Afghanistan Cricket Board for the series and their anticipation of a successful collaboration, noting potential for further joint efforts to strengthen the relationship between the two cricketing nations.
Mr. Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, also expressed pleasure in supporting the ACB in hosting the T20I series in India. He highlighted the thrilling encounters produced by the India-Afghanistan cricketing rivalry over the years, noting that both teams feature quality cricketers. Mr. Saikia mentioned the popularity of Afghanistan’s players among Indian fans, which he sees as a reflection of the strong bond between the two nations. He recalled India hosting Afghanistan for their historic first Test in 2018 as a significant milestone, followed by regular bilateral engagements.
Strengthening Cricketing Ties
The upcoming series is expected to further enhance the cricketing relationship between India and Afghanistan. The two sides have regularly competed across various formats. Afghanistan recently toured India for a three-match ODI series in June 2026, which India won 3-0. Additionally, the two teams played a three-match T20I series in January 2024.
Mr. Rohan Jaitley, President of the DDCA, expressed delight in 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 believes the three matches will offer fans in Delhi an opportunity to enjoy exciting cricket and contribute to the venue’s rich history of international cricket.
Mr. Mirwais Ashraf, Chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, underscored the significance of this series for Afghanistan cricket. He views it as another crucial step in the development of their long-standing relationship with the BCCI. Hosting India for a bilateral series in India is considered a significant milestone for Afghanistan, and Mr. Ashraf expressed high regard for the BCCI’s cooperation and support in making the event possible.
Mr. Ashraf noted that Afghanistan has hosted its home fixtures in both India and the UAE in recent years. Given the importance and scale of this particular series, he believes India provides an excellent setting. He is confident that the series will generate valuable opportunities across commercial, technical, and cricketing aspects, while also adding a new dimension to their bilateral engagement. The ACB looks forward to a successful series and further strengthening its partnership with the BCCI.
Currently, Afghanistan is involved in a five-match ODI series against Ireland, having secured two victories so far. Meanwhile, India is set to resume its ICC World Test Championship campaign against Sri Lanka, with their first Test scheduled to begin on August 15.
The three-match T20I series between Afghanistan and India will run from September 13 to September 17, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi.
Source: bcci.tv
