The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over a possible change to the schedule of its upcoming three-match T20I series against India. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the ACB wants one of the fixtures to be moved to September 14, which falls during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival period.
The series was recently confirmed for September 13, 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Any adjustment would require approval from the BCCI, with either the opening match or the second T20I potentially shifted to September 14.
ACB explores fixture adjustment
The proposed change would not affect the number of matches in the series but would alter the order of the current schedule. The existing programme has the first T20I on September 13, followed by matches on September 15 and September 17.
The ACB’s request is linked to the possibility of creating a stronger match-day environment around Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls on September 14. A final decision will depend on discussions between the two boards.
The India-Afghanistan series will be Afghanistan’s designated home fixtures under the ICC Future Tours Programme, although all three matches are scheduled to take place in India. Afghanistan has previously hosted international cricket from Indian venues due to its hosting arrangements.
Broadcast preparations continue
Alongside the scheduling discussions, preparations for the series are continuing across broadcast and commercial areas.
A source familiar with the development told Hindustan Times Digital: “Discussions with leading broadcasters like Sony Sports and Star Sports are currently underway for the television broadcast.”
FanCode has already secured the exclusive digital streaming rights in India for the three-match series and will provide coverage across its digital platforms, including mobile, web and connected TV. ITW Universe will handle the media rights and on-ground branding for the series.
The series will also provide preparation opportunities for both India and Afghanistan ahead of the upcoming Asian Games.
India calendar remains under discussion
The schedule discussions come as India’s September calendar continues to take shape. The proposed India-Bangladesh tour had also been considered during the same period, but the series remains dependent on wider approvals and scheduling considerations.
Bangladesh has been seeking progress on the proposed tour following earlier difficulties surrounding cricketing relations between the two countries.
Bangladesh Sports Minister Aminul Haque told AFP: “It is being worked on at the ministerial level. We want to quickly resolve the deadlock that was created around the Cricket World Cup. God willing, we are hopeful that it will be resolved very soon.”
With the Afghanistan series confirmed and discussions underway over a possible fixture change, the final shape of India’s September international calendar continues to evolve.
