The opening T20 International between and will be played as planned on Sunday, September 13, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Delhi and District Cricket Association confirmed the date on Thursday after Delhi Traffic Police asked for a shift because of the BRICS Summit.
Afghanistan is the official host of the three-match series, even though every game is in New Delhi. The remaining fixtures are on September 15 and 17 at the same ground.
Uncertainty lasted only a few hours. After reports of a possible delay, the DDCA posted a clear statement on X.
“India–Afghanistan 1st T20I on 13 September at Arun Jaitley Stadium will go ahead as scheduled,” the association wrote.
“Following a meeting with Delhi Traffic Police, DDCA has been assured of all necessary support and arrangements. No postponement,” it added.
That meeting settled the logistics argument. Police will still manage VIP corridors and crowd movement, but the cricket calendar will not be rewritten. Fans who already bought tickets for Sunday can plan around the usual evening start.
The request came in a letter dated September 9 from the DCP Traffic (Central Range) to the DDCA. The 18th Summit is being held in Delhi on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam, with a large number of foreign delegates, dignitaries and VVIPs in the city.
“The Summit requires extensive traffic arrangements, including WIP/VIP route regulation, traffic diversions, route clearance and deployment of personnel for smooth and uninterrupted movement of foreign delegates and associated vehicles,” the letter said.
Police also flagged the size of the expected crowd. “The cricket match scheduled on 13.09.2026 is expected to attract approximately 25,000-35,000 spectators. Further, the entire Delhi Traffic Police would already be extensively deployed for BRICS-related traffic regulation, diversions, route clearance and VIP/VIP movements.”
The closing line asked for a later date. “In view of the international importance and priority of the BRICS Summit, DDCA is requested to kindly consider rescheduling/postponing the match scheduled on 13.09.2026 to any suitable date after completion of the Summit and related traffic arrangements.”
Earlier in the day, some officials had said any change would need the and the Home Ministry. The evening confirmation from the DDCA closed that loop.
This is Afghanistan’s home T20I series against India, staged in Delhi as part of the ACB’s Future Tours Programme. India are led by . Ibrahim Zadran captains Afghanistan. The two teams last played a bilateral T20 series in January 2024; India also won a 3-0 ODI series in June 2026.
The opener still carries extra weight because of the city-wide security bubble. Commuters heading to the Kotla should expect diversions and extra time, even with police support now promised for the match.
