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The India vs Afghanistan series is set to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) sought the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to organise it, and they were given the green signal to host the Men in Blue in New Delhi. Now, ahead of the first match, there is uncertainty surrounding it.
This India vs Afghanistan series is more of a preparatory match ahead of the forthcoming Asian Games 2026. Both teams would want to play a good brand of cricket ahead of the multi-national event in which both of them are participating, and they were finalists in the last edition of the tournament. They would want to gain momentum ahead of the competition.
India-Afghanistan series to be called off?
As per reports from Dainik Jagran’s Abhishek Tripathi, the first match of India vs Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take place on 13th September, is set to be cancelled. The Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police said to have written a letter to the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) to change the date of the match, with just three days remaining for the series to start.
Abhishek Tripathi via X (formerly Twitter) said, "Threat to the India-Afghanistan match scheduled for the 13th in New Delhi. The Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police has written a letter to the Delhi & District Cricket Association asking to reschedule the match to another day."
Big breaking
— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) September 10, 2026
13 तारीख को नई दिल्ली में होने वाले भारत-अफगानिस्तान मैच पर खतरा। दिल्ली पुलिस के डिप्टी कमिश्नर ने दिल्ली एवं जिला क्रिकेट संघ को पत्र लिखकर इस मैच को किसी और दिन कराने के लिए कहा है। दिल्ली में 11 से 13 तारीख तक ब्रिक्स सम्मेलन के तहत बहुत वीवीआईपी रूट लगेंगे।…
"From the 11th to the 13th in Delhi, several VVIP routes will be in place under the BRICS summit. The match is expected to draw between 20,000 and 25,000 people. In such a scenario, it will be difficult for Delhi Police to provide security for convenience."
India vs Afghanistan series schedule
This is a big headache for DDCA and the BCCI, as the Men in Blue side have a packed schedule this month, and shifting the match would cost them playing two matches in the span of one day. There are two options to host the match either to shift on the following day or have a closed-door match without any fans.
The Afghans will face the Men in Blue in three matches at the same venue, with the second match scheduled on 15th September and then the third and final game on 17th September. But if the match on the 13th shifts, both teams have to play one game on simultaneous days.
Delhi police submits official letter to DDCA
The Delhi Traffic police have written a formal letter to the DDCA mentioning the severe congestion, prompting concerns over holding the game on September 13, as they believe that the crowd leading to Arun Jaitley Stadium could cause significant traffic pressure around the stadium and nearby roads as well.
The police statement mentioned, "With reference to your office letter No. 032/T-201s/2026 dated 24.08.2026 regarding the schedule of the upcoming India-Afghanistan T20 International cricket matches at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, I am directed to state that the BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in Delhi from 11.09.2026 to 13.09.2026, during which a large number of foreign delegates, dignitaries and VVIPs are expected to visit Delhi. "
"The Summit requires extensive traffic arrangements, including WIP/VIP route regulation, traffic diversions, route clearance and deployment of personnel for smooth and uninterrupted movement of foreign delegates and associated vehicles."
"The cricket match scheduled on 13.09.2026 is expected to attract approximately 25,000-35,000 spectators. The areas around Arun Jaitley Stadium, DDU Marg, BSZ Marg, Minto Road, Kamla Market and adjoining roads already witness substantial vehicular and pedestrian movement. Additional match-related traffic and parking around BSZ Marg, Mata Sundari College, Rajghat and Bal Bhawan are likely to reduce available carriageway and cause congestion."
Now the DDCA has shared its first official statement, as DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma said that they are going to follow the BCCI guidelines with respect to the match rescheduling.
"We will follow BCCI guidelines with respect to India-Afghanistan match rescheduling", Ashok Sharma DDCA Secretary said.
