Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 12: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed a three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan, with all three matches scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi in September.

The series will begin on September 13, followed by the second T20I on September 15 and the third on September 17. Afghanistan will play the series as the home team.

BCCI president Mithun Manhas said the board remains committed to supporting the growth of cricket in Afghanistan and providing its players with opportunities to compete at the highest level. He said bilateral cricket would help Afghanistan gain valuable experience against quality opposition while strengthening ties between the two cricket boards.

“The BCCI remains committed to supporting the growth of cricket in Afghanistan and providing its players with opportunities to compete at the highest level,” Manhas said.

He added that the BCCI would continue working with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to strengthen cricketing relations between the two countries.

The series will also be an important test for India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, who has faced criticism after India suffered a 2-0 defeat to Ireland and subsequently lost another series to England. Iyer finally secured his first T20I series victory as captain against Zimbabwe.

Afghanistan are expected to provide a tougher challenge, particularly in subcontinental conditions, with their strong spin attack likely to test the Indian batting lineup if the pitches assist the bowlers.

The BCCI's confirmation has also cast further doubt over India's proposed tour of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Cricket Board had reportedly scheduled a six-match white-ball series from September 1 to 13, but the dates now overlap with India's Afghanistan commitments.

With the Afghanistan series formally confirmed and less than three weeks remaining before the proposed Bangladesh schedule, India's tour of Bangladesh appears increasingly unlikely unless there is an unexpected change in the plans.