Sony Sports Secures Linear TV Rights for India vs Afghanistan T20I Series in September 2026
Sony Sports Network has secured the linear television broadcast rights for the upcoming three-match T20I series between Afghanistan and India scheduled for September 2026 in New Delhi, following a competitive bidding process involving multiple major broadcasters.
What Happened
According to media reports, the linear broadcast agreement was finalised on Thursday, August 13. Sony Sports Network emerged as the broadcast partner after competing against bids from JioStar and Zee Unite8 for the television rights package. The television deal was brokered separately by ITW Universe, the agency holding the overall media rights for the series, while digital streaming rights were previously locked in by FanCode.
Alongside the broadcast development, discussions regarding match dates have emerged. ITW Universe founder Bhairav Shanth wrote to Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) CEO Naseeb Khan, proposing a modest date adjustment. Following this, the ACB approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to request moving either the first or second T20I to September 14, 2026, to coincide with the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Key Highlights
- Linear Television Rights: Awarded to Sony Sports Network after bidding alongside JioStar and Zee Unite8.
- Digital Streaming Rights: FanCode holds exclusive live digital streaming rights for the series.
- Venue & Schedule: All three fixtures are slated for the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, September 15, and September 17, 2026, subject to requested schedule adjustments.
- Bilateral Tour Context: The T20I series forms part of a three-format bilateral cycle in 2026, following a three-match ODI leg in June 2026 in which India secured a 3-0 victory.
Why This Matters
The allocation of TV rights to Sony Sports Network and digital streaming to FanCode establishes clear viewing options across traditional television and online platforms for Indian cricket audiences. Furthermore, the single-venue arrangement in New Delhi concentrates the entire T20I leg at Arun Jaitley Stadium, while the proposed date adjustment to Ganesh Chaturthi aims to align the fixture with major cultural celebrations.
What to Watch Next
Official communication regarding whether the BCCI and ACB agree to shift one of the matches to September 14, 2026, is awaited. Broadcasters will subsequently confirm daily programming schedules ahead of the series start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the Afghanistan vs India T20I series be broadcast on TV?
Sony Sports Network will televise the three-match T20I series live on linear television in India.
Where can fans live stream the matches?
Live digital streaming for all three matches will be available exclusively on FanCode.
What is the current schedule for the matches?
The three fixtures are scheduled for September 13, September 15, and September 17, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, pending any official date changes requested for Ganesh Chaturthi.
Source: Reported via Crictracker and Cricbuzz.