Why is Afghanistan playing home series in India? Explaining how New Delhi came to host IND vs. AFG T20I series

India is set to host a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan starting from September 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. This arrangement is unusual as Afghanistan, technically the visiting side, is playing on their home ground in India. The Sporting News explains that this is due to the security situation in Afghanistan, which has made it difficult for top-tier teams to tour the country.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has thus looked for neutral venues, with Sharjah and Abu Dhabi previously serving as host grounds. However, to ensure consistent, accessible bases, the ACB has turned to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), an arrangement that dates back to 2015. The BCCI supports the ACB by providing broadcast infrastructure, staffing, and security, while Afghanistan earns ranking points, a share of ticket revenue, and match fees.

This partnership is significant for Afghanistan's cricket development and allows both teams to prepare for the Asian Games. The match schedule is as follows: September 13, 1st T20I at 7:00 p.m. at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi; September 15, 2nd T20I at 7:00 p.m. at the same venue; and September 17, 3rd T20I at 7:00 p.m. at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. The series will be broadcast live on Sony Sports and available for streaming on FanCode.