The home T20I series with Afghanistan may be postponed if India’s proposed white-ball tour of Bangladesh is not to be later this year.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that their three-match T20I home series with India is still on, but the details of the final schedule have not been officially announced.
The series is currently expected to be played in New Delhi in September, but the dates could change if India’s proposed white-ball tour of Bangladesh is finalized.
India-Bangladesh Series May Affect Schedule
The Afghanistan-India T20I series is planned to be played in New Delhi at Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 13, 15 and 17.
But, if India go ahead with their upcoming tour of Bangladesh, the T20I series against Afghanistan might have to be deferred by a couple of days to avoid a clash in the international calendar, reports suggest.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board is looking forward to welcoming India for their white-ball tour in the first half of September, which will require some changes to the schedule if the two series are to be held.
Afghanistan Confident Series Will Go Ahead
Afghanistan are confident that the series against India will be played, though the dates are uncertain.
The three match engagement is likely to be a good preparation for both sides for the upcoming international tournaments and bilateral engagements.
Both cricket boards are still in talks to finalise the schedule as they keep an eye on the developments in the India Bangladesh tour.
Tight International Calendar Creates Challenge
It has become more difficult to find dates because of a busy international calendar.
The Asian Games are scheduled to start later in September, and India and Afghanistan have other international events to attend, so there is not much space for postponing the games.
Therefore, any changes to the schedule are likely to be small scale and not a complete re-scheduling of the series.
New Delhi Expected to Host Historic Series
The games will probably be held at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, which will serve as the official host for Afghanistan, but the matches will be played in India.
The deal enables Afghanistan to play its home matches at a neutral location and enjoy the comfort of familiar surroundings.
The series would be another significant milestone in the cricketing bond between the two nations, India and Afghanistan.
Broadcasting Rights Still to Be Finalized
The series will be different than the normal home international cricket events in India as it will be hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
Digital streaming rights have already been sold, and television rights are expected to be sold in the near future.
More details on the schedule, match timings and broadcast will be available once the status of India’s Bangladesh tour is confirmed.
Historic Opportunity for Afghanistan
The T20I series is likely to be a big event for Afghanistan cricket as they host India under a special arrangement in New Delhi.
Both the cricket boards are hopeful that the series will go on as scheduled, though the final dates are yet to be confirmed, and the fans will be treated to a thrilling clash between two of Asia’s top two T20 teams.
