Afghanistan will host India in a three-match T20I series in Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17, 2026, ahead of the Asian Games.
New Delhi: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have confirmed a three-match T20 International series between Afghanistan and India in September. All three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi, with the series scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17, 2026.
Interestingly, Afghanistan will be the designated host for the series even though the matches will take place in India. The arrangement reflects the continuing challenges of staging international cricket inside Afghanistan. Because of the country’s security situation, Afghanistan has frequently played its home fixtures at venues outside the country.
Delhi Set for Three T20I Matches
The Arun Jaitley Stadium will host all three encounters, creating a unique situation in international cricket with Afghanistan officially listed as the home side while playing in Delhi.
The first T20I will be played on September 13, followed by the second match on September 15 and the final game on September 17. The compact schedule will give both teams an opportunity to test players and combinations in the shortest international format.
The series is also scheduled just before the Asian Games, meaning the matches could provide valuable preparation for India’s T20 squad and allow players to gain competitive match practice before the multi-sport event.
Afghanistan’s Home Series Comes to India
Afghanistan’s decision to host the series in India is significant for the country’s cricketing programme. The ACB has previously used overseas venues for home fixtures because international cricket has not regularly been staged in Afghanistan amid security concerns.
The ACB has expressed appreciation for India’s support in hosting the series. BCCI leadership has also reiterated India’s commitment to supporting the development of Afghan cricket.
India Look to Continue Strong Record
The two teams have already met earlier in 2026 during Afghanistan’s multi-format tour of India. India recorded a comprehensive victory in the Test and completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep, giving the hosts a strong recent record against Afghanistan.
However, T20 cricket presents a different challenge, with matches often decided by short bursts of batting and bowling momentum. Afghanistan’s experienced T20 players could provide India with a competitive challenge, particularly in Delhi conditions.
The upcoming series will therefore be closely watched for team selections, emerging players and India’s preparations for the Asian Games.
With the three matches confirmed for September 13, 15 and 17, cricket fans in Delhi are set for an exciting international T20I contest between two rapidly developing cricket nations.
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