India’s Bangladesh Tour Key to Finalising Afghanistan Series Dates

Afghanistan’s proposed T20I series against India is still on track, with New Delhi expected to host all three matches in September. While the schedule has not been finalised, the current plan is for the games to be played on September 13, 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The dates, however, depend on India’s proposed tour of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Cricket Board is hoping to host India from September 1 to 13, and recent improvements in diplomatic ties between the two countries have increased optimism that the tour will take place.

If the Bangladesh series goes ahead as planned, the Afghanistan T20Is could be pushed back by a few days because of a packed international calendar. The Asian Games and India’s upcoming white-ball tour of the West Indies leave very little room to adjust the schedule.

The BCCI is expected to make its final decision on the Bangladesh tour after receiving guidance from the Government of India. That decision will also determine the final dates for the Afghanistan series.

Since Afghanistan cannot currently host international cricket at home, India will once again serve as the venue for Afghanistan’s home fixtures. If the series goes ahead, it will mark the first time Afghanistan hosts India, even though the matches will be played in New Delhi.

“Our understanding is that there is some sort of agreement between the ACB and the BCCI for the matches, and they will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. We will handle the media and marketing rights, while the ACB will handle the match-day logistics and operations,” a representative involved in the arrangements said.

Another official added, “For the first time Afghanistan will be hosting India.”

On the broadcast front, FanCode has secured the digital streaming rights for the series. The television rights are still available, with Zee, Sony Sports and JioStar among the expected bidders. ITW Universe has been appointed to manage the media and marketing rights for the series, while the Afghanistan Cricket Board will oversee match-day operations.

An official announcement on the schedule is expected once the status of India’s Bangladesh tour becomes clear.