The upcoming India Afghanistan T20I series could see a change to its schedule after the Afghanistan Cricket Board reportedly approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India regarding the dates of the three matches.
The series is currently scheduled to be played in New Delhi in September 2026, with matches planned for September 13, 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The proposed change is linked to Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls on September 14.
According to reports, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has asked the BCCI to consider moving one of the matches to September 14. The proposal would mean that either the first match currently scheduled for September 13 or the second match scheduled for September 15 could be moved by one day.
However, the change has not yet been confirmed. The final decision will depend on discussions between the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the BCCI and on the practical arrangements required for hosting the series.
The three match series was officially confirmed only recently. Afghanistan will be the designated host, but the matches will be played in India because Afghanistan has continued to stage its international home fixtures outside the country due to security and infrastructure considerations. The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi has been selected as the venue for all three matches.
The proposed September 14 date coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi, an important festival observed across several parts of India. The scheduling consideration is therefore being discussed ahead of the series, particularly because the matches are scheduled in the national capital.
If the change is approved, the overall series period would remain within September 13 to 17, with only one fixture moving by a day. This would allow both teams to retain the three match format while accommodating the proposed date adjustment.
The current schedule provides a two day gap between the first and second matches and another two day gap before the third match. Moving one fixture to September 14 would alter that sequence and could affect preparation, travel and logistical arrangements for the teams.
For the Indian team, the series is expected to serve as important preparation ahead of the Asian Games. The T20I matches provide an opportunity for the players and team management to assess combinations and build momentum before the multi sport event.
Afghanistan will also be looking to make the most of the series against India. Playing against a strong Indian side provides valuable international experience and an opportunity for Afghanistan's players to test themselves against one of the leading teams in world cricket.
The two teams have developed a competitive cricketing relationship in recent years across different formats. Their meetings have attracted considerable interest, particularly in T20 cricket, where Afghanistan has emerged as a strong side with several experienced players.
The proposed schedule change does not currently indicate any change to the venue. All three matches are expected to remain at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi unless the cricket boards announce otherwise.
The series is also taking place during a busy period in the international cricket calendar. The Asian Games in Japan are scheduled for September and October, making the India Afghanistan T20I series an important part of India's preparation before the continental competition.
The current dates of September 13, 15 and 17 were announced recently, and reports about the proposed September 14 change emerged shortly afterwards. This means discussions are taking place at an early stage, giving organisers some time to make any necessary adjustments.
The decision will also have implications for broadcasters, ticketing arrangements, security planning and stadium operations. Any change to a confirmed fixture requires coordination among several stakeholders.
For supporters, a September 14 match could create a different atmosphere because of the festival. However, the final schedule will need to be confirmed before fans can make definitive plans.
At present, the confirmed schedule remains September 13, September 15 and September 17. The possibility of moving one match to September 14 is only a proposal under consideration.
The BCCI and Afghanistan Cricket Board are expected to evaluate the proposal before announcing any final change. Until an official confirmation is issued, the existing three match schedule should be treated as the operative fixture list.
The India Afghanistan series is expected to attract significant attention because it comes ahead of the Asian Games and gives both teams an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming international commitments.
If the proposed adjustment is approved, the series will still consist of three T20Is in New Delhi, but one match will be played on September 14 instead of its currently scheduled date. The change would represent a minor alteration to the calendar rather than a restructuring of the series.
For now, cricket fans will have to wait for the official decision from the two boards regarding whether Ganesh Chaturthi will lead to a change in the India Afghanistan T20I schedule.