New Delhi: Afghanistan are reportedly set to ‘host’ India for a cricket series for the first time, with a three-match T20I series likely to be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in September.
Historic hosting arrangement
According to reports, Afghanistan will host India for three T20 Internationals on September 13, 16 and 19. While an official confirmation is still awaited, the development marks a significant moment in Afghanistan cricket history as they prepare to host a major cricketing nation like India.
Due to infrastructure and logistical challenges back home, Afghanistan have traditionally played their ‘home’ matches at neutral venues. India has frequently served as a base, with venues like Greater Noida, Dehradun and Lucknow hosting their fixtures in the past.
If confirmed, this series would continue that trend, with New Delhi once again acting as a temporary home venue for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s rise in T20 cricket
Afghanistan have emerged as a formidable force in T20 cricket over the past few years. With a strong pool of talented players and consistent performances in global tournaments, they have earned respect as a competitive side in the shortest format.
Hosting India, even at a neutral venue, reflects their growing stature in international cricket and provides them with an opportunity to test themselves against one of the top teams in the world.
Multi-format contest before T20Is
Before the proposed T20I series, Afghanistan are scheduled to face India in a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series starting June 6. These matches are expected to serve as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of future international assignments.
The series will also offer Afghanistan valuable experience in the longer formats against a strong Indian side.
Net bowlers join Indian camp
Meanwhile, in preparation for the upcoming Test match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has roped in several domestic players as net bowlers for the Indian squad.
Among those called up is Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar, whose omission from the national Test squad had recently sparked debate. He is joined by Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who has featured in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Other players assisting the Indian team in the nets include left-arm wrist spinner Shivang Kumar, left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh, emerging talent Prince Yadav, and off-spinner Saransh Jain.
Workload management for pacers
The decision to bring in additional net bowlers is also linked to workload management within the Indian squad. Leading pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have had a demanding schedule, playing three matches in seven days with travel.
With extreme weather conditions also a factor, team management is keen to avoid overburdening frontline bowlers during practice sessions. The presence of fresh net bowlers ensures that the batters receive adequate preparation without risking player fatigue or injury.
Significance of the series
The potential T20I series between India and Afghanistan is not just another bilateral contest but also a reflection of the strengthening cricketing ties between the two nations. India has played a key role in supporting Afghanistan cricket over the years by providing venues and infrastructure support.
For Afghanistan, hosting India — even away from home soil — symbolises their progress and growing influence in the international cricket landscape.
Conclusion
If the reports are confirmed, the September T20I series in New Delhi will mark a historic milestone for Afghanistan cricket. As they continue to rise in the global arena, such high-profile fixtures will play a crucial role in their development. For India, the series offers another opportunity to fine-tune combinations and test bench strength, making it a mutually beneficial engagement for both teams.
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