Afghanistan and India are set to face each other in a three-match T20I series, with all three matches scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The series gets underway on September 13, with the second and third T20Is scheduled for September 15 and 17 respectively.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board are the designated hosts for the series, although the matches will be played in India. The arrangement allows Afghanistan to host a major bilateral series while continuing their established relationship with the BCCI, which has provided venues for Afghanistan’s international fixtures in India over the years.
The series also comes at an important stage for both sides as they prepare for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. India are expected to send a full-strength squad to the multi-sport event after winning the gold medal in men’s cricket at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, while Afghanistan will also look to use the T20I series to fine-tune their preparations.
India enter series with Shreyas Iyer leading T20I rebuild
India will be led by Shreyas Iyer as they continue to reshape their T20I setup. The squad includes several established names, with Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy among the players expected to play important roles. Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi is also part of the squad after making his India debut during the England tour.
India have not enjoyed the ideal start to the new cycle, having suffered defeats against Ireland and England. The Afghanistan series therefore gives the team an opportunity to test combinations, assess players and build momentum before the Asian Games. The availability of Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana will depend on their fitness.
Afghanistan bring strong squad for India challenge
Afghanistan will be led by Ibrahim Zadran and have plenty of experience across their squad. Rashid Khan remains the biggest threat with the ball, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal and Mohammad Nabi add considerable quality to the batting and all-round options. Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib also provide Afghanistan with valuable experience, giving the visitors a well-rounded squad capable of challenging India in the shortest format.
Although Afghanistan are the designated hosts, playing a bilateral series against India in New Delhi carries significance for the team beyond the cricket itself. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has maintained a long-standing relationship with the BCCI, with Indian venues previously serving as home grounds for Afghanistan when hosting international teams at home has not been possible.
India vs Afghanistan T20I series schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Match Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 13, 2026 | 1st T20I | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 7:00 PM IST / 1:30 PM GMT |
| September 15, 2026 | 2nd T20I | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 7:00 PM IST / 1:30 PM GMT |
| September 17, 2026 | 3rd T20I | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 7:00 PM IST / 1:30 PM GMT |
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India vs Afghanistan T20I series: Broadcast and Live Streaming details
- India: Sony Sports, FanCode (app and website)
- USA and Canada: Willow TV (sign up here)
- Afghanistan: Ariana TV, My e& AFG App
- UK: JioHotstar
- MENA: Cricbuzz
- Pakistan: A Sports, Tamasha
- Australia: FOX Sports
- Africa: Sports Central
- Bangladesh: Tapmad
- Rest of the World: Sports Central
Also READ: AB de Villiers names an Indian player he’s excited to watch in the T20I series against Afghanistan