On September 10, 2026, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) announced that the first Twenty20 International between India and Afghanistan, which is set for September 13 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, will go ahead as scheduled. The announcement eliminates the ambiguity that had developed over the days leading up to the match. Following a discussion with Delhi Traffic Police, the DDCA made a decision and was assured that all essential arrangements and support would be made for the event.
The Delhi Police have voiced worries about holding the game during the summit, which will see many VVIP movements and security limitations throughout the nation’s capital from September 11 to 13, casting doubt on the event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. However, as of Thursday at 6 p.m., DDCA sources told India Today that they had not received any information or directives to move the game. Later, the association formally confirmed that the first Twenty20 International will take place on the planned date.
DCDA stated on X, “India–Afghanistan 1st T20I on 13 September at Arun Jaitley Stadium will go ahead as scheduled. Following a meeting with Delhi Traffic Police, DDCA has been assured of all necessary support and arrangements. No postponement.”
Numerous reports indicated that the security and traffic issues caused by the summit would lead the first Twenty20 International to be postponed by one day. The DDCA has recently clarified that there isn’t a delay at this point, though. Mahatma Gandhi Road connects the Arun Jaitley Stadium and Bharat Mandapam, the location of the BRICS Summit, which are around five km apart. Central Delhi is likely to see severe traffic restrictions as a result of the summit, since multiple VVIP routes are anticipated to be operating.
Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi will host all three Twenty20 International matches. The series will begin on September 13 and end on September 17, 2026. Every game begins at 7 p.m. IST. It is anticipated that between 20,000 and 25,000 people will attend the inaugural match.
It is anticipated that crowd access and movement arrangements would be resolved well in advance of the September 13 commencement, as Delhi Traffic Police has now committed to providing the required support. For both boards, the choice to maintain the current schedule is crucial. Without altering the dates or location, it maintains the original schedule for a three-match Twenty20 International series in the Indian capital.
