Afghanistan set to host India in historic T20 series ahead of Asian Games

Afghanistan set to host India in historic T20 series ahead of Asian Games (Photo Source: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Afghanistan are set to host India in a three-match T20I series in September before the Asian Games, with Delhi set to play host to the two teams.

The Arun Jaitley Stadium is set to host the three games, with September 13, 16 and 19 being discussed as tentative dates, before the Asian Games commence on September 23 at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. A source shared that the two boards had agreed on the series, but an official announcement is pending.

“BCCI and ACB share a good relationship. 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 BCCI and ACB in this regard. An official announcement will be made after a few modalities are completed,” said the BCCI source, speaking to the Times of India, reported by the Hindustan Times.

Despite the series being played in India, accommodations are being made, with talks underway alongside the Delhi District Cricket Association. Afghanistan have hosted their home games in India and the UAE due to logistics and security concerns related to hosting games in the country.

“The BCCI mediated an understanding between ACB, 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,” the source stated.

With the BCCI set to pick a 15-member side for the Asian Games, the series would serve as significant match practice for the squad.

“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 Asian Games is due to start on Sept 23. The selectors will pick the team accordingly,” the source added.

India host Afghanistan in June in a series comprising one Test and three ODIs. The T20I series as a proposition came to fruition after the ACB approached the BCCI with plans for a return tour.