Sony Sports Network has officially secured the television broadcasting rights for the upcoming three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan. The global rights holder, ITW Universe, finalized the deal with Sony following negotiations with other major industry players, including JioStar and Zee Unite8. A senior representative from ITW Universe confirmed the development, noting that digital streaming rights for the series remain with FanCode.
The series is currently slated to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, with matches scheduled for September 13, 15, and 17. While these dates have received formal approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is now facing formal requests to adjust the itinerary. Specifically, stakeholders are urging ACB CEO Naseeb Khan to reschedule one of the fixtures to September 14 to coincide with the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
In a formal letter to the ACB, ITW founder Bhairav Shanth emphasized the cultural significance of the festival, suggesting that hosting a match on that day would be a gracious gesture toward Indian cricket fans. Shanth proposed two alternative scheduling options: either a sequence of September 11, 13, and 14, or a rotation of September 13, 14, and either September 16 or 17. He noted that both proposals maintain a compact three-match window and require only minor adjustments to the existing plan.
“Both options preserve a tight three-match window and require only a modest shift from the currently confirmed dates,” Shanth wrote. He added that such a move would demonstrate deep respect for Indian culture and sentiments, further strengthening the collaborative relationship between the BCCI and the ACB. The push for this change, which was initially reported on August 11, aims to align the high-profile series with a day of significant national celebration and collective spirit.
A top official of the ITW Universe confirmed to of the decision.
Had reported about this on August 11.
“As a media rights and production partner deeply invested in the success of this series, ITW Universe respectfully requests the ACB to consider a modest but meaningful adjustment to the current schedule so that one of th
