Afghanistan’s three-match T20I series against India will remain on its original September 13, 15 and 17 dates, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) retaining the existing schedule as it announced its squad for the series. All three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
The schedule confirmation resolves uncertainty surrounding the dates after discussions over bringing the series forward and staging the final match on September 14, coinciding with Ganesh Chaturthi. Afghanistan will be the designated host for the series, which will mark the first time it has hosted India in bilateral cricket.
Original India series dates remain unchanged
As previously reported by cricexec, the ACB had proposed moving the three T20Is to September 11, 13 and 14, replacing the September 13, 15 and 17 programme initially announced for New Delhi.
September 14 had emerged as a key date during those discussions, with the ACB citing cultural events in India around the existing schedule as part of the case for a change. Stakeholders connected with the series had also been involved, while the potential Ganesh Chaturthi fixture was seen as an opportunity to support television audiences and attendance.
ITW Universe, which holds the rights to the series, was involved as the ACB and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) considered the proposed adjustment. Any change also required logistical coordination involving the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), which will stage all three matches.
The ACB’s latest announcement instead retains the original dates, with no change to the three-match window.
Afghanistan prepares for historic hosting assignment
Although the matches are being staged in India, Afghanistan is hosting the series. The arrangement represents another step in the ACB’s relationship with the BCCI, with India providing the venue for Afghanistan’s home series against the Indian team.
ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan addressed the significance of the occasion in the official statement, saying: “It is a great pride that Afghanistan is hosting a major cricketing nation for the first time. This reflects the progress Afghan cricket has made toward achieving its major objectives and shows that we are steadily advancing toward the strategic goals identified by the organization.”
The series also carries a commercial footprint for the ACB. e& has secured the Title Sponsorship rights, Super Cola Beverages Manufacturing Company holds the “Powered By” Sponsorship rights, while Vany remains the board’s long-term clothing partner.
Ibrahim Zadran to lead Afghanistan
Ibrahim Zadran will captain Afghanistan in what will be his first assignment as the country’s full-time T20I Captain. The squad also includes the returning Naveen-ul-Haq, who is back after recovering from the right-shoulder stress fracture that ruled him out of the West Indies T20I series and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Gulbadin Naib has also returned, while uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman has been selected as the second wicketkeeper. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazal Haq Farooqi are among the other established players included.
Afghanistan will travel to India for training and final preparations ahead of the series. The first T20I will be played on September 13 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, followed by the second match on September 15 and the series finale on September 17.
