Afghanistan and India are all set to renew their rivalry in the shortest format as the two teams meet in a three-match T20I series from September 13 to September 17, 2026. The series will be played entirely at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officially hosting the fixtures as Afghanistan’s designated home series.
The three-match contest brings the bilateral cricketing calendar between the two nations to a close for 2026. Earlier this year, India and Afghanistan faced each other in a Test followed by a three-match ODI series in June.
While the players will take centre stage, a strong officiating team has also been named for the T20I series.
AFG vs IND T20I Series: Match Officials
Dean Cosker has been appointed as the match referee for the Afghanistan vs India T20I series. The former England cricketer brings experience to the role as the two sides prepare for what promises to be a closely fought contest.
The umpiring panel features five officials: Ahmad Shah Pakteen, Ahmad Shah Durrani, Izatullah Safi, Farooq Khan and Mahmood Kharoti.
The complete list of match officials is:
- Dean Cosker – Match Referee
- Ahmad Shah Pakteen – Umpire
- Ahmad Shah Durrani – Umpire
- Izatullah Safi – Umpire
- Farooq Khan – Umpire
- Mahmood Kharoti – Umpire
The officials will be responsible for overseeing the three matches and ensuring that the series is conducted according to the playing conditions and regulations.
Shreyas Iyer to lead India against Afghanistan
India will enter the series under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain. The squad combines established white-ball performers with several exciting young players, giving India plenty of options across departments.
The batting group includes explosive names such as Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, while Iyer will be expected to provide stability and leadership in the middle order.
India’s bowling attack also has considerable experience. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace unit alongside left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh. The spin department features Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakaravarthy, offering India a variety of options on what could be a spin-friendly Delhi surface.
However, India will be without pacer Harshit Rana, who has been ruled out of the series with a strain injury. Yash Thakur has been named as his replacement.
Afghanistan bank on spin strength
Afghanistan will be led by Ibrahim Zadran and are expected to rely heavily on their powerful spin attack in familiar subcontinental conditions.
At the top of the order, Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains one of Afghanistan’s biggest threats with the bat. In the middle order, experienced campaigners such as Mohammad Nabi and hard-hitting all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai can change the course of a game quickly.
The biggest challenge for India could come from Afghanistan’s deep spin resources. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Nangeyalia Kharote give the visitors several world-class options capable of exploiting any assistance from the Delhi pitch.
In the pace department, Fazalhaq Farooqi will be an important figure, while Naveen-ul-Haq returns to strengthen Afghanistan’s fast-bowling options.
Also READ: Vivek Razdan makes big call on Vaibhav Suryavanshi ahead of 1st T20I against Afghanistan
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