Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have officially announced a three-match T20 International series between Afghanistan and India, scheduled to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi from September 13 to 17, 2026.
The series will serve as Afghanistan’s designated “home” fixtures under their Future Tours Program, continuing the trend of the ACB hosting international matches in India. The 3-match T20I series is set to directly clash with India’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh, which has been halted due to tensions between the two boards.
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AGHANISTAN vs INDIA: SERIES SCHEDULE
1st T20I: September 13
2nd T20I: September 15
3rd T20I: September 17
The Afghanistan series will also complete India’s bilateral commitments against Afghanistan across all three formats this year. India hosted Afghanistan for a Test and an ODI series in June, with the upcoming T20Is completing the bilateral calendar between the two sides.
BCCI President Mithun Manhas reaffirmed India’s commitment to the development of Afghan cricket and said the board remains keen on maintaining regular bilateral competition between the two countries.
BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also highlighted the significance of the upcoming series following India’s Test and ODI assignments against Afghanistan earlier this year.
Delhi & District Cricket Association President Rohan Jaitley, meanwhile, assured fans of world-class facilities at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and said the capital can look forward to high-octane contests between the two sides.
HAS INDIA TOUR OF BANGLADESH BEEN SHELVED?
Bangladesh are still hopeful of hosting India for the postponed white-ball series, with the country’s new government making efforts to break the deadlock through diplomatic channels.
The matter is being discussed at the ministerial level, with Bangladesh keen to restore sporting ties with India. Sources told India Today that the BCCI will be able to consider any proposal from Bangladesh only after consulting the Indian government.
Bangladesh Sports Minister Aminul Haque said the government was hopeful of resolving the uncertainty soon.
“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,” Haque said on Monday, as quoted by AFP.
“We want to resolve the matter quickly. I hope to maintain strong, friendly relations with our neighbouring country through sports. We want to smoothly navigate the current state of uncertainty.
“The Indian High Commissioner has met with the Honourable Prime Minister. Discussions were also held today with the Foreign Minister and the State Minister. They, too, are very optimistic that the uncertainty surrounding the last T20 World Cup can be resolved quickly.
“We remain hopeful that the issue regarding the Bangladesh-India series can be settled through the discussions held between the two foreign ministries.”
WHY ARE INDIA DELAYING BANGLADESH TOUR?
The uncertainty surrounding the tour dates back to Bangladesh’s decision not to send its team to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The previous government had cited concerns over the safety and well-being of its players, following which Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the tournament. A change in government has since opened the door for efforts to repair relations with India, with cricket emerging as an important avenue for sports diplomacy.
Newly appointed BCB president Tamim Iqbal has also expressed confidence that the India tour can still take place. Iqbal has described Bangladesh as “extremely safe” and maintained that the country is ready to host the Indian team.
The latest Afghanistan announcement, however, means India’s September calendar already has three confirmed dates occupied. If Bangladesh and India are to revive their proposed white-ball series in the same window, the BCCI and the Bangladesh Cricket Board will have to find a new schedule.
For now, the Afghanistan T20Is are the only confirmed fixtures between India and another opponent in that September window, while Bangladesh continue to push for clarity over their long-awaited home series against their neighbours.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
