Afghanistan Set To Host India In Historic Three-Match T20I Series In Delhi
Afghanistan and India are expected to lock horns in a historic three-match T20 International series in September 2026, with reports suggesting that Afghanistan will officially host India for the first time in an international bilateral series.
According to media reports, the series is likely to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 16 and 19. While neither the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally confirmed the tour, preparations are reportedly underway, with both boards working on the final details before making an official announcement.
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If confirmed, the series will represent a significant milestone in Afghanistan cricket’s journey and further strengthen the close cricketing relationship between the two nations.
Afghanistan To Host India On Home Away From Home
Although Afghanistan will be designated as the host nation, all three matches are expected to take place in India’s capital city. Due to political and security challenges over the years, Afghanistan has been unable to host international cricket consistently on home soil and has relied on venues in India and the United Arab Emirates for its home fixtures.
India has played a crucial role in supporting Afghan cricket during its rise on the international stage. Over the past decade, Afghanistan has hosted several international teams at Indian venues, including Ireland in Greater Noida in 2017 and Bangladesh in Dehradun in 2018.
The proposed T20I series against India would be another chapter in that partnership and would provide Afghanistan with a high-profile home series against one of the world’s strongest cricket teams.
Strong Cricketing Ties Between BCCI And ACB
Reports indicate that the BCCI and ACB have reached a broad understanding regarding the series. The Indian cricket board has historically supported emerging cricket nations by scheduling bilateral tours and providing logistical assistance.
In recent years, India has extended support to several cricket boards, including Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Ireland, helping them generate revenue and maintain international cricket schedules.
According to reports, the BCCI also facilitated discussions between the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), paving the way for Delhi to serve as Afghanistan’s temporary home venue for the series.
Series Could Impact Asian Games Squad Selection
The timing of the proposed T20I series is particularly important for India, as it comes just days before the start of the Asian Games cricket competition.
Reports suggest that the itinerary has already been shared with India’s national selection committee, which will need to finalize a 15-member T20 squad for the Asian Games beginning on September 23.
The Afghanistan series could therefore serve as a valuable preparation opportunity and may influence selection decisions for India’s T20 setup.
Proposed Afghanistan vs India T20I Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| September 13, 2026 | 1st T20I | New Delhi |
| September 16, 2026 | 2nd T20I | New Delhi |
| September 19, 2026 | 3rd T20I | New Delhi |
Busy Schedule For Afghanistan In India
Afghanistan’s national team is already scheduled for a busy period in India. Reports suggest that the team will play a one-off Test match against India on June 6, followed by a three-match ODI series between June 13 and June 20.
The ODI matches are expected to be held across Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai, providing Afghanistan with valuable exposure against one of the strongest sides in world cricket.
India has frequently served as Afghanistan’s adopted home. In September 2024, Afghanistan hosted New Zealand in Greater Noida. However, that Test match was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to an unplayable outfield following heavy rain.
India Hold Dominant Record In T20Is
India have enjoyed overwhelming success against Afghanistan in the shortest format of the game.
The two teams have faced each other nine times in T20 Internationals, with India winning eight matches. One encounter ended without a result due to rain.
Their latest meeting came during the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, where India secured a convincing 47-run victory over Afghanistan on their way to winning the tournament.
Kohli And Arshdeep Lead The Statistical Charts
Several Indian players have produced memorable performances against Afghanistan in T20 cricket.
Virat Kohli remains the leading run-scorer in T20Is between the two sides. The former India captain has accumulated 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate close to 160, including an unbeaten 122, which remains one of the highest individual scores in matches between the teams.
Among bowlers, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been the most successful performer. He has claimed eight wickets in five innings while maintaining an economy rate slightly above seven runs per over.
Landmark Series For Afghan Cricket
The proposed series carries significance beyond the cricket field. Afghanistan’s rise from an emerging cricket nation to a competitive international side has been one of the sport’s most remarkable success stories.
Hosting India, even at a neutral venue, would mark another important step in Afghanistan’s cricketing development and provide its players with an opportunity to compete against some of the world’s biggest stars in front of large crowds.
With official confirmation expected in the coming weeks, cricket fans in both countries will be eagerly awaiting what could become one of the most anticipated T20I series of the year.
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