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The Afghanistan Cricket Board has approached the BCCI to host India for a three-match T20I series, and TOI has reported that the series is likely to be held in India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
As of now, Afghanistan are likely to tour India for a one-off Test and three-match ODI series, which begins on the 6th of June. The series is scheduled to be played across several venues around India.
The series marks several new players in the series, as the likes of pacers Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan are most likely to make their debut in this series. Following this tour, ACB has approached the BCCI for a return tour.
Afghanistan are likely to host India for a three-match series
For the first time in the history of the game, Afghanistan has shown an inclination towards hosting the Indians for an international series this year. However, the series will be held at the national capital of India, Delhi.
TOI has reported that Afghanistan are aiming to host them for a three-match T20I series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in September. An official announcement is awaited, but the matches are slated to be played on September 13, 16, and 19.
Afghanistan have been in extraordinary form in the shortest format of the game, and has often been referred to as the second-best side in Asia.
BCCI mediates between DDCA and the ACB
TOI reports have claimed that the Afghanistan Cricket Board approached the BCCI for a return tour, and since the BCCI has been helping several boards with their administration, they have agreed to it due to their good relationship.
“BCCI and ACB share a good relationship. The BCCI has been helping other boards like Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe by sending Indian teams to play a series there to boost the finances of those boards. An understanding has been reached between the BCCI and ACB in this regard. An official announcement will be made after a few modalities are completed,” as quoted in TOI reports.
“The BCCI mediated an understanding between the ACB and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) for availability to be the home base for Afghanistan for the series. The DDCA is also scheduling its Delhi Premier League T20 accordingly,” he added.
India's selectors to pick squad while keeping the Asian Games in mind
Afghanistan have hosted matches in India for almost a decade, as they previously played series against Ireland in 2017 and Bangladesh in 2018, in Greater Noida and Dehradun respectively. The last time they hosted New Zealand in Greater Noida was back in September 2024.
The probable schedule has been shared with the Indian selectors, as they have to pick a squad for the upcoming Asian Games, which start days after the conclusion of this tour. The cricket event in the Asian Games starts on the 23rd of September.
“The itinerary has been shared with India’s national selection committee since they have to pick a 15-member T20 team for the Asian Games in late Sept. The cricket event at the Asian Games is due to start on September 23. The selectors will pick the team accordingly,” the BCCI source said to TOI.
