The dates for next month’s three-match T20I series between Afghanistan and India could be changed, with discussions reportedly underway between the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
No final decision has been made yet, but the ACB has requested that the series be brought forward by a few days. The proposed schedule could see the matches played on September 11, 13 and 14 instead of the originally planned September 13, 15 and 17.
ACB Seeks Earlier Dates
The ACB is understood to have approached the BCCI with a request to alter the schedule, partly because of major cultural events taking place in India during that period.
One of the proposed matches could be played on September 14, which coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi.
The ACB reportedly believes that staging a match on the festival day could boost television viewership and attract larger crowds at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The board is also believed to have made the request after discussions with its stakeholders.
All Three Matches in Delhi
The Arun Jaitley Stadium is scheduled to host all three T20Is.
The series will be historically significant because Afghanistan will officially be the host team, despite all three matches being played in India.
Afghanistan have previously used Indian venues such as Lucknow, Dehradun and Greater Noida for their home fixtures. However, this will be the first bilateral series in which Afghanistan hosts India, albeit on Indian soil.
BCCI Yet to Decide
The BCCI has received the proposal but has not formally approved the revised dates.
The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), which will host the matches, has also said it has no information regarding a confirmed change to the schedule.
The perception within Afghanistan’s cricket administration is that the BCCI could agree to the proposal, particularly because India currently has a relatively open window during September.
India’s Test series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to conclude on August 27, while the Asian Games begin on September 24.
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No Bangladesh Series
India were initially expected to have a possible series against Bangladesh during this period, but that appears increasingly unlikely.
With no other major assignment scheduled between the Sri Lanka Tests and the Asian Games, the proposed Afghanistan T20Is can be accommodated without creating a significant scheduling conflict.
Completing All-Format Rivalry
The upcoming T20I series will complete India’s engagements with Afghanistan across all three international formats in 2026.
India hosted Afghanistan for a Test and a three-match ODI series in June. India won the Test comfortably before completing a 3-0 ODI series sweep.
The T20I series will therefore give both sides an opportunity to conclude their multi-format contests for the year.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had earlier highlighted the significance of the series, noting that the two teams would have competed against each other in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
For now, the original September 13, 15 and 17 dates remain in place, with the proposed September 11, 13 and 14 schedule awaiting approval from the relevant boards.