Discussions are currently underway between the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding a potential shift in the schedule for next month’s three-match T20I series. While no formal decision has been finalized, the ACB has requested that the fixtures be advanced by a few days to better align with cultural events in India.
The series, which is set to be hosted at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, was originally slated for September 13, 15, and 17. The proposed revision suggests moving these matches to September 11, 13, and 14. By shifting the final game to September 14, the series would coincide with the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. The ACB has indicated to the BCCI that this adjustment, driven by stakeholder feedback, could lead to improved television viewership and higher spectator turnout at the stadium.
Officials within the ACB and various stakeholders involved in the series are optimistic that the BCCI will approve the request. The Indian team currently has an open window in its calendar between the conclusion of the Test series in Sri Lanka on August 27 and the start of the Asian Games on September 24, following the apparent cancellation of a series against Bangladesh. Despite these ongoing talks, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), which is responsible for hosting the matches, stated that they have not yet received any official notification regarding a change in plans.
This T20I series marks a significant milestone in the cricketing relationship between the two nations. It follows a Test and three-match ODI series held in June, and its completion will ensure the teams have faced each other across all three formats. Reflecting on the significance of these engagements, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia noted that hosting Afghanistan across these formats represents a comprehensive competitive series between the two sides. The report also notes that including the possibility of having a game on September 14, the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, as had reported earlier, the ACB seeks to advance the schedule by a few days. The report also notes that the three matches were originally scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17, but it is learnt that the BCCI has received a request to move them to September 11, 13 and 14, taking into account the cultural events in India around those dates.
