Why Afghanistan Holds Home-Team Status Against India in Delhi T20I Series
In a historic first for bilateral cricket, Afghanistan has been designated as the official home side for an upcoming three-match T20 International series against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
What Happened
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that it will hold home-team status for three T20Is scheduled for September 13, 15, and 17, 2026, even though the fixtures will take place on Indian soil. ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseem Khan informed commercial partners on August 10, 2026, that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had agreed to the proposed schedule. This series forms part of Afghanistan’s Future Tours Program (FTP), giving the contest official standing within the international cricket calendar. The scheduling of this bilateral window also effectively brought an end to India’s previously considered white-ball tour of Bangladesh during the same timeframe.
Key Highlights
- Historic Status: This is the first time in bilateral cricket history that Afghanistan will be the official home team in a series against India.
- Match Details: All three T20Is are set to be played at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 13, 15, and 17, 2026.
- Commercial Entitlements: Under standard International Cricket Council (ICC) and bilateral hosting protocols, ticket revenues from the Delhi games will go directly to the ACB, and broadcast rights will be managed by the ACB’s media partner rather than the BCCI’s regular domestic broadcasters.
- Administrative Progression: The series follows a June 2026 tour where Afghanistan visited India for three One Day Internationals (ODIs) as the away team.
- Venue Background: Due to ongoing security concerns preventing international cricket within Afghanistan, the ACB has previously staged home matches at neutral venues such as the United Arab Emirates, as well as Indian grounds in Greater Noida, Lucknow, and Dehradun.
Why This Matters
Because security issues prevent staging international fixtures inside Afghanistan, the ACB depends on partner and neutral venues to meet its hosting responsibilities. The BCCI’s agreement to provide a venue while transferring home-team status and commercial benefits reflects established bilateral cooperation. By staging the series in Delhi, the ACB also taps into a substantial local Afghan population, particularly in areas such as Lajpat Nagar, often referred to as Mini Kabul, which is anticipated to generate strong local interest.
What to Watch Next
Following the conclusion of the three-match T20I series on September 17, 2026, both the Indian and Afghan national squads are expected to travel to Aichi-Nagoya for the 2026 Asian Games. The two teams previously contested the gold medal match at the 2023 Asian Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Afghanistan considered the home team while playing in Delhi?
Due to security constraints that prevent international cricket matches from being hosted inside Afghanistan, the ACB utilizes partner venues abroad. Through bilateral agreement and ICC hosting frameworks, the designated host board retains full home-team standing and commercial rights regardless of the geographic location of the stadium.
Who receives the revenue generated from the series?
Because Afghanistan holds official hosting status, ticket revenue from all three Delhi matches flows directly to the ACB, and the ACB’s designated media partners manage the broadcasting rights.
When and where will the matches take place?
The three T20Is are scheduled to be played on September 13, September 15, and September 17, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Source: CricTracker