For the first time in their cricketing journey, Afghanistan are set to play India on home soil in an international series this year—though the “home” venue will be India’s national capital. Plans have been discussed for three T20 internationals between the two sides at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with the schedule tentatively mapped for mid-September.
An official confirmation is still awaited, but the matches are understood to be slated for September 13, 16 and 19. The announcement is expected to come after final arrangements are completed between the relevant boards and local authorities.
Afghanistan’s India tour and the road to a T20I return
- Afghanistan are currently scheduled to tour India for a one-off Test and three ODI matches beginning on June 6.
- As part of the broader planning, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is understood to have approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to arrange a return visit.
- A BCCI official said the two boards share a close working relationship, highlighting that India has previously supported other cricket boards—such as Ireland, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe—by sending teams for series aimed at helping their finances.
- The official added that BCCI and ACB have reached an understanding, with a formal announcement expected after additional “modalities” are finalised.
In terms of logistics, the same source explained that BCCI also played a coordinating role between ACB and the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) to secure the stadium and match-day infrastructure. The DDCA, meanwhile, is said to be adjusting its Delhi Premier League T20 schedule accordingly.
Why Afghanistan’s earlier ‘home’ games weren’t in Afghanistan
Afghanistan have not been able to host international matches within their own country for much of the past decade, owing to long-running geopolitical constraints. During that period, they have staged home fixtures in India and the United Arab Emirates.
- In 2017, Afghanistan hosted a series against Ireland in Greater Noida.
- In 2018, they followed it with a T20I series against Bangladesh in Dehradun.
- After that, their base shifted to the UAE for a time.
- In September 2024, Afghanistan had booked a Test match against a full-strength New Zealand side in Greater Noida, but the encounter was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to a poor outfield after rain.
- Following that, Afghanistan staged their next home series in Sharjah.
Selection timing linked to Asian Games squad
The BCCI source also pointed to the wider calendar. The itinerary has been shared with India’s national selection group because the selectors have to choose a 15-member T20 squad for the Asian Games, scheduled for late September. The cricket competition at the Asian Games is due to begin on September 23, and India’s squad is expected to be finalised in line with the tournament requirements.
