Afghanistan could be set to host India in a three-match T20I series later this year, with New Delhi expected to stage the fixtures despite Afghanistan holding hosting rights. According to a report by Times of India, discussions between the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have progressed around a September window, with the matches tentatively scheduled for September 13, 16 and 19.
The proposed series would come at a significant point in both teams’ calendars and would represent a landmark occasion for Afghanistan, which has never previously hosted India in an international bilateral series. While an official announcement has yet to be made, preparations are reportedly underway to finalise the remaining arrangements.
Discussions advance ahead of busy international schedule
The development follows Afghanistan’s upcoming tour of India, which includes a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series. The report said the ACB approached the BCCI regarding a return series, opening the door for Afghanistan to host India later in the year.
Speaking about the relationship between the two boards, a BCCI source told Times of India, “BCCI and ACB share a good relationship. BCCI has been helping other boards like Ireland, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe by sending Indian teams to play a series there to boost the finances of those boards.”
Addressing the status of the discussions, the source added, “An understanding has been reached between BCCI and ACB in this regard. An official announcement will be made after a few modalities are completed.”
Delhi set to serve as Afghanistan’s home base
Although Afghanistan would be the official host, the matches are expected to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Afghanistan have regularly staged home fixtures outside their country over the past decade due to ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Providing further details on the venue arrangements, the source noted, “The BCCI mediated an understanding between ACB and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) for availability to be the home base for Afghanistan for the series. The DDCA is also scheduling the Delhi Premier League T20 accordingly.”
Afghanistan have previously used Indian venues for home assignments, including a series against Ireland in Greater Noida in 2017 and a T20I series against Bangladesh in Dehradun in 2018. The ACB later entered a five-year agreement with the Emirates Cricket Board in 2022, leading to the UAE hosting many of Afghanistan’s home fixtures.
Link to Asian Games preparations
The proposed September series would take place immediately before the cricket competition at the Asian Games, which is scheduled to begin on September 23. According to Times of India, the timing is also being factored into India’s squad planning for the event.
Discussing the scheduling considerations, the source stated, “The itinerary has been shared with India’s national selection committee since they have to pick a 15-member team for the Asian Games in late September. The cricket event at the Asian Games is due to start on 23 September. The selectors will pick the team accordingly.”
India and Afghanistan are also preparing to meet in a bilateral series beginning this month, comprising one Test and three ODIs. While the Test is not part of the current World Test Championship cycle, the ODI leg is expected to contribute to both teams’ preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
