Afghanistan to host India in historic T20I series in Delhi
Talha Javed:
Lahore:A historic chapter in Afghanistan cricket could unfold this September, with media reports suggesting that India will play a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in what would be the hosts’ first international series against the cricketing powerhouse.
The proposed series is likely to be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, with matches scheduled for September 13, 16 and 19.
According to a report by The Times of India, Afghanistan is set to face India in a three-match T20I series for the first time.
The matches are expected to be played in New Delhi, though an official announcement from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still awaited.
Neither board has so far commented publicly on the proposed series.
Afghanistan to host India at Indian venue
Although Afghanistan will be the host team, the series is expected to take place in India’s national capital. Reports suggest that the two cricket boards are working on plans to stage the matches at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Afghanistan has used India and the UAE as home venues over the past decade due to geopolitical challenges. The team previously hosted Ireland in Greater Noida in 2017 and Bangladesh in Dehradun in 2018.
BCCI and ACB working on modalities
According to the report, BCCI and ACB share strong cricketing ties, and an understanding has been reached between the two boards for the series.
The report stated that BCCI has previously supported other cricket boards, including Ireland, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, by sending Indian teams for series to help boost their finances.
An official announcement is expected once a few remaining modalities are completed.
The report further said BCCI helped mediate an understanding between ACB and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) to make Delhi Afghanistan’s home base for the series.
Series schedule shared with selectors
The proposed itinerary has reportedly been shared with India’s national selection committee. Selectors will need to pick a 15-member T20 squad for the Asian Games, which are scheduled to begin on September 23.
The timing of the Afghanistan series is expected to influence squad planning for the Asian Games cricket event.
Schedule of Afghanistan vs India T20I series
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| September 13 | 1st T20I | Delhi |
| September 16 | 2nd T20I | Delhi |
| September 19 | 3rd T20I | Delhi |
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s national team is already in India and is scheduled to play a one-off Test match against India on June 6. Reports also suggest that both teams are expected to feature in a three-match ODI series from June 13 to June 20.
Those 50-over matches are expected to be played in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai.
Afghanistan has played several home matches in India in recent years. The Rashid Khan-led side also hosted a full-strength New Zealand team in Greater Noida in September 2024.
However, that match was abandoned due to a poor outfield after a full day of rain two days before the game.
India dominate T20I record against Afghanistan
India and Afghanistan have faced each other nine times in T20 Internationals. India have won eight of those matches, while one game was abandoned due to rain.
Their most recent meeting came during the Super Eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, where the Rohit Sharma-led side defeated Afghanistan by 47 runs.
Kohli and Arshdeep lead key records
Virat Kohli is the leading run-scorer in T20Is between India and Afghanistan. The right-handed batter has scored 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate of around 160, with a highest score of 122 not out.
In bowling, Arshdeep Singh is the highest wicket-taker in T20Is between the two teams.
The left-arm pacer has taken eight wickets in five innings at an economy rate of just over seven.
