The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed that a three-match T20I series against India is proceeding, although the schedule remains tentative. While the matches are currently penciled in for September 13, 15, and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, these dates could be delayed if a proposed series against Bangladesh moves forward. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is reportedly hoping to stage matches between September 1 and 13, which would necessitate a shift in the Afghanistan-India series dates.
Time is limited for any significant postponement, as India is scheduled to participate in the Asian Games beginning September 24, followed by a home series against the West Indies starting September 27. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) noted that any decision regarding a tour to Bangladesh would be guided by government advisories.
This series marks a historic moment as Afghanistan hosts India, despite the unusual arrangement where the visitors act as the hosts. Shanth, of course, considers the series historic. “For the first time Afghanistan will be hosting India,” he said. Since Afghanistan is a no-go zone for international cricket, the UAE (Sharjah) was initially considered a potential venue. Eventually, however, the two boards decided to stage the series in India, with the unusual arrangement of the ‘guests’ being the ‘hosts’ and the ‘hosts’ being the ‘guests’. ITW Universe, a sports and entertainment consulting firm, is coordinating marketing and logistics with the ACB. Bhairav Shanth, co-founder of ITW Universe, confirmed that the ACB will manage match-day operations while his firm handles media and marketing rights.
Broadcasting rights for this series will differ from standard home international games in India, which are typically shown on JioStar. Fancode has secured the digital rights, while television rights remain available, with Zee and Sony Sports identified as potential contenders unless JioStar enters the bidding for linear property. The BCB has yet to release its Expression of Interest (EoI) documents regarding media rights for its own potential series, leaving those details currently on hold.
