Afghanistan to Host India for Three-Match T20I Series in Delhi in September 2026
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 Twenty20 International (T20I) series in New Delhi in September 2026.
What Happened
The bilateral series will take place entirely at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi from September 13 to September 17, 2026. The series forms a component of Afghanistan’s Future Tours Program, with India serving as the host location for Afghanistan’s designated home series.
According to official schedules, the opening T20I will be held on Sunday, September 13, followed by the second fixture on Tuesday, September 15, and the concluding match on Thursday, September 17.
Key Highlights
- Fixture Location: All three T20I matches will be staged at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
- Match Schedule: Match 1 on September 13, Match 2 on September 15, and Match 3 on September 17, 2026.
- Historical Context: India hosted Afghanistan’s inaugural Test match in 2018. The two nations previously engaged in a T20I series in January 2024 and played a Test and ODI series in June 2026.
- Administrative Backing: Statements of collaboration were issued by BCCI President Mithun Manhas, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf, and DDCA President Rohan Jaitley.
Why This Matters
The arrangement highlights the continuing collaboration between the BCCI and the ACB. ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf stated that hosting India for a bilateral series in India marks a significant milestone that provides valuable technical, commercial, and cricketing opportunities. In recent years, Afghanistan has designated venues across India and the United Arab Emirates for its home fixtures.
BCCI President Mithun Manhas noted that the board remains committed to supporting Afghanistan cricket’s development through regular bilateral competition against quality opposition. Additionally, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia observed that following earlier Test and ODI encounters, this series ensures the two teams have faced each other across all three international cricket formats.
What to Watch Next
The two national squads are scheduled to arrive in New Delhi ahead of the first T20I on September 13, 2026, with Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley affirming that the Arun Jaitley Stadium will provide facilities to host both teams and spectators throughout the five-day window.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the Afghanistan vs India T20I series take place?
The three-match series will be held at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi from September 13 to September 17, 2026.
Why is Afghanistan hosting the series in India?
As part of its Future Tours Program arrangements, Afghanistan has hosted its home fixtures in India and the UAE in recent years, with the BCCI facilitating venues for their bilateral events.
What is the exact match schedule for the series?
The first T20I is on September 13 (Sunday), the second T20I is on September 15 (Tuesday), and the third T20I is on September 17 (Thursday), 2026.
Source: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announcements reported via CricTracker.