The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is mulling changing the schedule of the upcoming three T20Is against India. Recently, the ACB and BCCI confirmed that the three T20Is between the two teams will be played on September 13, 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. However, sources privy to developments on Thursday confirmed that ACB wants one T20I to be played on September 14, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
If the BCCI agrees to the above-mentioned plan, then the fixture on September 14 could add a distinctive cultural dimension to the series. If the plan goes ahead, then either one of the September 13 or 15 matches could be played on September 14.
As of now, the three T20Is are scheduled for Sunday (September 13), Tuesday (September 15) and Thursday (September 17). The ACB wants one of the T20Is to be played on Monday. The crowd turnout could have been low on a Monday, but given that Ganesh Chaturthi would bring a partial holiday, this contributed to the ACB's desire to play one game on September 14.
Also Read: Afghanistan to host India in Delhi as three-match T20I series confirmed for September
It has also been reliably learnt that the ACB has begun discussions with broadcasters to secure the telecast of the matches on television. “Discussions with leading broadcasters like Sony Sports and Star Sports are currently underway for the television broadcast,” the source told Hindustan Times Digital on Thursday.
{{/usCountry}}It has also been reliably learnt that the ACB has begun discussions with broadcasters to secure the telecast of the matches on television. “Discussions with leading broadcasters like Sony Sports and Star Sports are currently underway for the television broadcast,” the source told Hindustan Times Digital on Thursday.
{{/usCountry}}FanCode is expected to stream the three T20Is digitally, but one is waiting for a clearer picture regarding the television broadcast rights. The ITW Universe will handle the media rights and on-the-ground branding for the upcoming series.
The upcoming three T20Is against India are part of Afghanistan's designated home fixtures under the ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP) despite all three matches being played in India. Afghanistan has routinely hosted international matches in India, but this would be the first time it hosts India in India.
The three T20Is are also expected to give ample preparation to both teams ahead of the upcoming Asian Games.
Bangladesh tour unlikely
With the BCCI and ACB confirming the three T20Is in September, it is all but confirmed that India will not be touring Bangladesh for the three ODIs and three T20Is. Earlier, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had announced the schedule, but given the relations between the two countries, the final call depended on the government's nod.
As per the schedule announced by the BCB earlier this year, India was to play three ODIs against Bangladesh from September 1 to 6, while the three T20Is were to run from September 9 to 13.
Earlier, Bangladesh Sports Minister Aminul Haque said the government was hopeful of finding a solution soon and that India would travel to Bangladesh for the series.
"It is being worked on at the ministerial level. We want to quickly resolve the deadlock that was created around the Cricket World Cup. God willing, we are hopeful that it will be resolved very soon," Haque was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.