The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have jointly announced that Afghanistan will host India for a three-match T20I series at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi from September 13 to 17, 2026. This series marks a significant event in the cricketing calendar, as it will be the second bilateral T20I series between the two nations.
The series is set to kick off on September 13, with the subsequent matches scheduled for September 15 and September 17, all taking place at the same venue. This event is part of Afghanistan's Future Tours Program, which has seen the team play its home matches at neutral venues in recent years due to various circumstances.
Recent Encounters and Current Form
The upcoming series will be a crucial opportunity for both teams, especially for India, which has faced challenges in its recent T20I performances. The last encounter between India and Afghanistan occurred in January 2024, when India hosted a three-match series across Mohali, Indore, and Bengaluru, ultimately winning the series. Currently, under the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer, the Indian team is looking to regain its form after a disappointing stretch that included a 2-0 series loss to Ireland and a 4-0 defeat against England. However, they managed to bounce back with a 3-0 victory over Zimbabwe in their latest series.
This series against Afghanistan will also serve as a vital preparation phase for the Indian players selected for the upcoming Asian Games. With the Asian Games set to commence shortly after the T20I series, these matches will provide the team with an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and assess player combinations ahead of the competition.
Asian Games Context
The 2026 Asian Games, taking place in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, will feature men's cricket in the T20 format, with matches starting on September 24 and culminating in the final on October 3. A total of ten teams, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Oman, will compete for the gold medal.
India has already announced its T20 squad for the Asian Games, which is expected to closely resemble the lineup for the Afghanistan series. The squad includes notable players such as Shreyas Iyer (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), and Jasprit Bumrah, among others, as they prepare for a busy and competitive season ahead.
