Bangladesh and Afghanistan Seek Matches with India Ahead of Asian Games

In September, the Indian men's cricket team is poised to engage in a series of white-ball matches, potentially totaling nine, as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games. Both Afghanistan and Bangladesh are keen to secure their own series against India, which could lead to a busy schedule for the Indian team. Reports from Cricbuzz indicate that Afghanistan has put forth a proposal to host a three-match T20I series in New Delhi, with the matches tentatively set for September 13, 15, and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. However, the final schedule remains uncertain, as it hinges on the revival of a planned white-ball series between India and Bangladesh.

The backdrop to this situation is the diplomatic tensions that previously disrupted India's tour to Bangladesh last year. These tensions escalated following a fallout between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) concerning the organization of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Despite these challenges, the BCB is optimistic about hosting a series that would consist of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20Is, proposed to take place from September 1 to 13. The recent thaw in relations at both the cricketing and national levels has sparked hope that this series can indeed proceed as planned.